Hamilton County authorities, working alongside an FBI task force and local police, have identified a child homicide victim whose body was discovered in a Springfield Township field in 1979.
At a news conference, Hamilton County Coroner Dr. Lakshmi Sammarco joined Springfield Township police, Cincinnati police, and the FBI’s Southern Ohio Cold Case Task Force to announce the identification.
Authorities identified the child as 18-month-old Velina Jeter, whose body was found on Feb. 4, 1979, along Eiler Lane.
The case drew widespread attention at the time, and the young victim became known as “Baby Angel.”
Investigators said they found the child’s body in a field on Eiler Lane near Clovernook Country Club and the former Providence Hospital site. Severe burns had left her unrecognizable. An autopsy later revealed that she died from head trauma and ruled her death a homicide.
“Any homicide investigation is very difficult when you don’t even know who your victim is,” Cincinnati Police Specialist Jeff Smallwood said.
Officials said the case remained unsolved for decades until authorities exhumed the child’s body in 2008 to collect DNA and submit it to the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation. That effort allowed investigators to build an extensive genetic genealogy profile, which ultimately led to her identification.
Springfield Township police described the killing as a “heinous crime” and said the case serves as a reminder for community members to come forward with information. Cincinnati police added that they continue to use DNA technology and genetic genealogy to help solve cold cases.
“We’re talking about an 18-month-old girl at the time that was heinously murdered and killed. We couldn’t even identify this person,” said Springfield Township Police Chief Chris Niehaus.
Smallwood said the Cincinnati Police Department will begin offering voluntary DNA test kits to individuals who choose to become genetic witnesses.
Officials said identifying the child means she can finally have her name restored and receive a proper headstone, something they considered deeply important.
Authorities also released the names of the child’s biological parents, Sharon Jeter and Barry Lee Valentine, who are not considered suspects at this time. Sharon died in 2013, and Barry died in 2011. Both parents, as well as Velina, were from Columbus. Investigators said it remains unclear who had custody of Velina at the time of her death.
Hamilton County Coroner: Child’s parents identified
Authorities are asking anyone who may remember Velina or have information related to the 47-year-old case to come forward.
A lead investigator said detectives have identified persons of interest, but no charges have been filed. Investigators hope that revealing Baby Angel’s true identity as Velina Jeter will spark memories, generate new leads, and help advance the homicide investigation.
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