Police identify baby boy found dead at Bay Area park in 1981

SAN BRUNO – Police have at long last identified a newborn boy found strangled to death at a San Bruno park in 1981 and are now asking for the public’s help as the investigation into the cold case continues.

On Tuesday, the San Bruno Police Department said it identified the baby’s family through the use of forensic genealogy, which it described as a “newly available investigative technology.” Investigators, police added, worked with the Texas Department of Public Safety, law enforcement forensic partners and specialized labs.

Police did not release the names of the infant’s mother and father.

“This identification represents a major step forward in the case and has renewed efforts to bring this case to justice,” police said in a statement posted to social media. “Detectives are now seeking the public’s assistance as the investigation continues.”

The newborn was found inside a garbage can at Buckeye Park around 4 p.m. on Nov. 11, 1981. In a news release at the time, police said “the baby had been dead only a few hours when found and died as a result of strangulation and severe head injuries.”

He was likely placed in the receptacle sometime after 11 a.m. that day, police said.

Investigators at the time determined the infant had Type O-positive blood. They also found reddish brown human hair and black dog hair on the sock used to strangle the baby.

“Despite an exhaustive investigation at the time,” police said, “investigators were unable to determine the child’s identity or identify the person(s) responsible for the death.”

Anyone with information related to the case can contact the police department at 650-616-7100 or sbpdtipline@sanbruno.ca.gov.

Check back for updates.