Bakersfield Police Identify 1923 Murder Victims
A new DNA initiative seeks to provide names for a mother and child buried at Union Cemetery.
Updated on Oct. 19, 2026 in Law Enforcement
The Bakersfield Police Department is launching a campaign to identify two murder victims who have remained anonymous since their deaths in 1923. Investigators are utilizing advanced DNA testing to finally name the mother and her 18-month-old son.
Why it matters
The effort aims to provide closure by placing the victims' names on their graves at Union Cemetery. Previous forensic methods were insufficient to solve the case at the time of the incident.
The Bakersfield Police Department is currently raising $15,000 to conduct STR genetic testing on the victims. The investigation into the 1923 murders remains officially open.
The players
Bakersfield Police Department
This local law enforcement agency is responsible for investigating crimes within Bakersfield.
Kern County Secret Witness
This organization facilitates anonymous reporting and community support for active police investigations.
Notorious Bakersfield
This podcast explores historical crimes and cold cases associated with the Bakersfield area.
The details
The Give Them Back Their Names campaign involves the Bakersfield Police Department, Kern County Secret Witness, and the Notorious Bakersfield podcast. Scientists are using STR testing to analyze genetic code and establish biological relationships between the victims.
Timeline
April 18, 1923: A mother and her 18-month-old son were murdered.
Legal Context
The project follows a pattern set by the 2018 Golden State Killer case identification of using advanced DNA technology to solve historical cold cases. This shift reflects a broader trend in law enforcement using forensic genetic genealogy to address decades-old unidentified remains.
The public can support the identification effort by donating to the fundraising campaign for the necessary DNA testing. This initiative may lead to future updates regarding the history of the victims buried at Union Cemetery.
The takeaway
Advancements in DNA technology continue to offer new pathways for resolving long-unsolved mysteries. Residents can support these efforts by participating in local cold case awareness programs.
Further reading
Learn more about local investigations in our Law Enforcement section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KERO.
