WESTFIELD, Ind. — Decades after the gruesome discovery of thousands of human bones on the property of suspected Indiana serial killer Herbert Baumeister, a renewed investigative effort is underway to finally uncover the identities of these unidentified victims. A team composed of forensic and law enforcement experts is relying on DNA samples from relatives of men who went missing between the mid-1980s and mid-1990s, a critical step in unraveling this long-standing mystery. The skeletal remains, which began to emerge in 1996 from Baumeister's expansive 18-acre Fox Hollow Farm estate, suggest that at least 25 individuals were interred there, and these remains included approximately 10,000 bones, handcuffs, and shotgun shells that paint a horrifying picture of a serial killer's methods.

Baumeister, who was a thrift store owner and led a seemingly ordinary life, took his own life in July 1996, just before investigators could engage him in questioning. His death left many questions unanswered, including the identities of his presumed victims, many of whom he lured under the guise of socializing in Indianapolis's gay bars. By the late 1990s, authorities had identified eight victims using dental records and evolving DNA technologies, but these investigative efforts waned, leaving at least 17 remains still unidentified.

According to AP News, Hamilton County Coroner Jeff Jellison highlighted that county officials had previously declined to fund further DNA testing, effectively stalling identification processes and shifting the financial burden onto grieving families. Jellison remarked, “I can’t speak for those investigators, but it was just game over,” stressing the serious implications of halted efforts.

The impetus behind the renewed push stemmed from a heartfelt inquiry made to Jellison in late 2022 by Eric Pranger, who suspected that his missing cousin Allen Livingston might be one of Baumeister’s victims. Livingston mysteriously disappeared at the age of 27 in August 1993, an event still fresh in the minds of his relatives who had long sought answers. After the police collected DNA samples from family members, particularly from Livingston’s mother Sharon and one of her daughters, a coalition involving the Indiana State Police, FBI, and forensic genetic genealogy experts set to work.

After rigorous analysis, Jellison announced in October 2023 that Allen Livingston had been identified as Baumeister's ninth victim, bringing a measure of closure to his family. "It made me happy to be able to do this for my aunt," said Pranger, reflecting on the emotional journey of seeking answers that had spanned three decades. Despite the bittersweet news, he questioned, “Now what? I got answers, but what about all the other families?”

There are currently around 40 DNA samples submitted from various families, with hopes to gather more from individuals who vanished during the same time frame. The remains of men considered missing might have connections not only to Indianapolis but also to other parts of the U.S., enhancing the scope of the investigation.

Scientists at the Indiana State Police Laboratory reported they have managed to extract eight unique male DNA profiles from over 100 bones sent for analysis, matching some with those previously identified in the 1990s. However, the journey of identifying all victims is anticipated to be lengthy due to the poor condition of many bones.

The effort to honor the deceased is ongoing. As families receive news about their loved ones, arrangements can be made to have the remains cremated and memorialized at a dedicated site in Westfield. This memorial, funded by local non-profit organizations, includes a plaque honoring the victims discovered thus far and space dedicated to future identifications.

Dr. Krista Latham, director of the Human Identification Center, has emphasized the importance of recognizing the marginalized lives taken by Baumeister, stating, “These are individuals who were marginalized in life. And we just need to make sure that that’s not continuing in death as well.” For those wanting to assist in this identification effort, family members of missing men are encouraged to reach out via the Indiana State Police missing persons hotline at 833-466-2653 or the Hamilton County Coroner’s Office.

For further information, visit the detailed coverage by CBS News.