Woman Identified From 1988 Cold Case in Jenkins County
Chong Un Kim was 26-years-old when she went missing from Hinesville, Georgia in 1988. Until now, the mystery surrounding her disappearance and presumed death has never been solved.
Today, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation identified human remains found in a dumpster in Jenkins County February 14, 1988 as that of Kim.
The GBI got a request on that date from the Jenkins County Sheriff’s Office to assist with a death investigation. A body was found, wrapped in plastic and duct tape, inside a large, nylon suitcase that was found in a dumpster, just north of Millen. The woman’s cause of death was asphyxiation and officials estimated she had been dead anywhere from four to seven days. Her fingerprints and dental records were compared to other missing persons from across the country. A GBI forensic artist even created a sketch of what the person could have looked like. The National Missing and Unidentified Persons System opened a case as well at the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.
The GBI says as DNA technology advanced over the years, evidence was resubmitted to the GBI Crime Lab for additional testing.
Analysts found DNA on the items submitted, but the profiles obtained were not eligible for entry into the DNA database at that time.
“In 2023, the GBI began working with Othram, a company that uses advanced DNA testing to solve cases. Othram, Inc., based in The Woodlands, Texas is a leader in using Forensic-Grade Genome Sequencing to develop comprehensive genealogical profiles,” according to a GBI news release.
Officials said based on the DNA, a genealogical search produced leads that led to Kim’s positive identification. Her family was notified earlier this month.
The GBI is now asking anyone who may have known Chong Un Kim, or has any information about the case, to contact the GBI at 912-871-1121. Anonymous tips can also be submitted by calling 1-800-597-TIPS (8477), online at https://gbi.georgia.gov/submit-tips-online or by downloading the See Something, Send Something mobile app.
