Phoenix, AZ – Authorities have arrested a woman nearly two decades after her newborn baby was discovered deceased at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, renewing attention to a long-standing unsolved case.

Discovery of Baby Skylar

The infant, dubbed Baby Skylar, was found wrapped in newspapers and a towel, inside a plastic bag with red Marriott lettering, in a trash can within a Terminal 4 women’s restroom on October 10, 2005. The tragic discovery sparked shock and horror among airport staff and law enforcement alike.

Case Revived After Years

For years, the case remained unresolved, haunting detectives who tirelessly pursued leads and utilized various investigative technologies in their quest for justice. Even in 2017, a composite sketch of the mother was released using DNA evidence left on the newborn, generated through a tool called Snapshot.

Breakthrough Through Genetic Genealogy

In 2021, a significant breakthrough occurred when the FBI, employing genetic genealogy techniques, identified a maternal match for the victim. This breakthrough, coupled with DNA collected from the scene, led authorities to Annie Anderson, a 51-year-old woman residing in Arlington, Washington.

Arrest and Extradition

Anderson was arrested without incident, just days before Christmas, after plainclothes officers approached her outside her home. She now faces charges including murder and abandonment or concealment of a dead body. The extradition process swiftly brought her from Washington to Arizona to stand trial.

Community Response

Authorities emphasized the community’s expectation that all victims, including Baby Skylar, are never forgotten. The arrest serves as a testament to the dedication of law enforcement in pursuing justice, even in cases spanning decades.

Conclusion: Closure After Decades

The arrest of Annie Anderson nearly 20 years after the tragic discovery of Baby Skylar brings a measure of closure to a case that has lingered unresolved for far too long. It underscores the enduring commitment of law enforcement to seek justice for victims, no matter the passage of time.

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