Woman whose body was found in a suitcase in Georgia in 1988 identified
By Carl Samson
October 25, 2023
A woman whose remains were discovered inside a suitcase in Georgia’s Jenkins County 35 years ago has been identified as Chong-un Kim, a South Korean immigrant.
What authorities found: Police located a body wrapped with plastic and duct tape in a large nylon suitcase that was placed in a dumpster north of Millen on Feb. 14, 1988. The victim, who died of asphyxiation, had been dead for about four to seven days.
How they identified the remains: Over the next three decades, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) used fingerprints, dental records, forensic and computer-generated sketches to try to identify the victim. Earlier this year, they began working with Othram Inc., a Texas-based company that uses advanced DNA testing to solve cold cases.
The investigation eventually led to Kim’s identification. Her family has been notified this month, according to a news release.
About Kim: Chong-un Kim moved to the U.S. from South Korea in 1981. She lived in Hinesville, Georgia, before her death at the age of 26.
What’s next: The GBI is now asking anyone with information about Kim or her case to contact them at 912-871-1121. Tips may also be submitted to 1-800-597-TIPS (8477), the GBI website or the See Something, Send Something mobile app.
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