MILLEN, Ga. — A woman's body was found inside a suitcase wrapped in plastic and duct tape in a Millen dumpster 35 years ago in a gruesome Valentine's Day discovery. With the latest technology, Georgia Bureau of Investigation agents were able to identify the woman, according to a news release.
Chong Un Kim was recently identified with DNA technology that helped find her family. Kim was only 26 when her remains were found.
GBI officials said she came to the United States form Korea in 1981 and lived in Hinesville, Georgia before her death, seven years later.
Authorities said Kim died from asphyxiation. They also said when her body was discovered they believe she had been dead for four to seven days.
As the investigation unfolded, agents were able to compare fingerprints and dental records to those of missing persons around the country.
GBI forensic sketch artists then drew what she may have looked like. The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children then created a computer-generated sketch, but did not have any luck of anyone identifying Kim.
This year, the GBI began working with a company that uses advanced DNA testing called Othram.
The company then used forensic-grade genome sequencing that helps compare genealogical profiles. The search then produced leads that led to finding the victim's family. Kim's family was notified this month.
GBI officials are still asking for those who might know anything about Kim or her death to contact the office despite the latest identification.
Those with information can contact the GBI at 912-871-1121 or leave an anonymous tips online here , or by calling 1-800-597-8477.