The Indiana farm of the late serial killer Herb Baumeister is now a crime scene after more than 10,000 human remains were recently uncovered.
In a statement, Indiana’s Hamilton County Cornorer, Jeff Jellison, announced the identification of human remains originally recovered in 1996 from the Fox Bollow Farm in Westfield Indiana, which was the former property of Baumeister.
The remains were identified through an extensive forensic genetic genealogy investigation that was conducted by both the FBI and the Hamilton County Coroner’s Office.
The remains were of Jeffrey A. Jones, who reportedly went missing in August 1993. His last known address was in Fillmore, Indiana. Jones’ remains are the third to be identified from the renewed investigation into the more than 10,000 found on the serial killer’s farm.
“Investigators have four additional DNA profiles that have not yet been identified,” the statement reads. “Bringing the total number of victims to 12. The four unidentified DNA profiles will also be sent to the FBI for genetic genealogy investigation.”
Coroner Jellison also stated, “Because many of the remains were found burnt and crushed, this investigation is extremely challenging; however, the team of law enforcement and forensic specialists working the case remain committed. “
Jellison also thanked the FBI, Indiana State Police Laboratory, Dr. Krista Latham of the Biology & Anthropology Department at the University of Indianapolis, and DNA experts from Texas-based Othram Laboratory for assisting in the investigation.
Serial Killer Herb Baumeister Killed Himself While on the Run From Authorities Nearly 30 Years Ago
According to Fox News Digital, serial killer Herb Baumeister was a successful businessman and a married father of three children. He is believed to be the killer of at least 25 victims from the late 1980s to the early 1990s.
Baumeister’s victims were mostly gay men in Westfield, Indiana, where his 18-acre farm is.
Jones is notably the third victim to be identified in the last six months. The serial killer’s other identified victims are Allen Livingston, who was 27 when he went missing in August 1993; and Manuel Resendez, who was 34 when he went missing in January 1996.
Baumeister had moved his family into the $1 million Indiana farm in May 1988. He used the property to hide the remains of his victims. Things took a turn for the serial killer when his son found an unearthed human skull. He then showed it to Baumeister’s wife Juliana.
Although she initially blocked authorities from entering the farm, Juliana eventually divorced Baumeister. This was after the evidence pointed to him being a serial killer. Upon searching the property, police found the remains of several victims.
After a warrant was issued for his arrest, Baumeister fled to Ontario. He eventually killed himself with a gun on July 3, 1996. He was 49 years old.
Baumeister left a suicide note, stating that he felt bad about his broken marriage and failing business. However, he never mentioned his victims’ remains, nor did he admit to committing any crimes.