In May 2022, Jenna Gerwatowski, a 23-year-old florist from Newberry, Michigan, received a life-altering call from a detective regarding the infamous Baby Garnet case. The case dated back to 1997 when the body of a deceased infant was discovered in a campground pit toilet at Garnet Lake Campground, where Jenna had grown up.
After a DNA match revealed Jenna's relation to the deceased infant, a series of events unfolded, leading to the reopening of the cold case. Detectives, in collaboration with a forensics company and Identifinders International, utilized genetic genealogy to trace Jenna's familial connection to Baby Garnet.
Despite initial skepticism and concerns of a potential scam, Jenna's DNA ultimately linked her mother, Kara Gerwatowski, as the half-sister of Baby Garnet. The shocking revelation left both Jenna and her family in disbelief, especially considering Kara's estranged relationship with her own mother, Nancy Gerwatowski, who was identified as the perpetrator behind the tragic incident.
Nancy stands accused of delivering the newborn alone at her residence, resulting in Baby Garnet's death due to asphyxiation. The legal proceedings have raised debates over the circumstances of the birth and Nancy's actions following the incident, leading to charges of open murder, involuntary manslaughter, and concealing the death of an individual.
As the case unfolds in court, Nancy's defense argues for the dismissal of charges based on the inability to prove the infant was born alive. The defense further contests the admissibility of Nancy's statements during police interrogation, citing denial of her right to counsel.
Amidst the legal complexities and emotional turmoil, Jenna reflects on the surreal nature of discovering her familial connection to a decades-old mystery. The impending court decision weighs heavily on all involved, as they navigate the intricate web of family ties and legal implications surrounding the Baby Garnet case.
