Who was Rebecca “Becky” Burke? Woman murdered in 1993 identified after 30 years using DNA technology

A woman who authorities believe was the victim of a violent killing in 1993 has now been identified. Let’s see more about Rebecca “Becky” Burke cold case in this article.

Who was Rebecca “Becky” Burke?

The identity of a Georgia woman who was allegedly brutally killed in 1993 has finally been revealed, but the cause of her death is still unknown, according to Georgia authorities.

Authorities has identified that remains that were discovered in the woods behind a hotel outside Atlanta nearly after three decades were the belongings of Rebecca “Becky” Burke.

The Dekalb County District Attorney’s Office confirmed her as Rebecca “Becky” Burke this week. Burke’s remains were found on September 16, 1993, according to a press release from the office on Tuesday.

Someone had tried to conceal the body, which was already “in an advanced state of decomposition,” by placing the remains in a wooded area between a former Fairfield Inn and a vacant medical office, and behind an electrical unit that was covered in pine straw and branches.

The hotel, which is now called Quality Inn Northlake, is still standing and is only about 20 miles northeast of Atlanta’s central business district.

Family members say Rebecca “Becky” Burke may have also gone by the last names McChesney or Barnes.

DeKalb County Cold Case Task Force:

The recently established DeKalb County Cold Case Task Force has used cutting-edge DNA technology to identify Rebecca “Becky” Burke, who vanished in 1993.

Burke, 52 at the time of her death, was believed to have been murdered between two and three months previous to being discovered, according to the district attorney, based on the condition of the remains.

Although the initial investigation discovered that the victim had received extensive dental work and hip replacement surgery that may have caused her to walk with a gait, the lack of additional information about Burke’s identity caused the case to go cold.

Forensic genealogy research:

Forensic Genetic Genealogy (FGG) is an emerging investigative technique that combines technological advancements in DNA analysis and searching with traditional genealogy research.

Burke’s case was solved with the assistance of forensic genealogy research. Burke was ultimately identified through forensic genetic genealogy, an advanced form of DNA testing that incorporated the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System, and Othram, a business that specializes in forensic genealogy to help solve cold cases.

According to the district attorney’s office, forensic genetic genealogy combines conventional genealogy study with DNA analyses and is frequently used to name suspects and victims in criminal cases when more conventional identification techniques have failed.

These studies connected Burke’s remains to a relative, providing more information about Burke and her history to the detectives.

Burke’s last known home was in either the Marietta or Smyrna region of Cobb County, Georgia and according to authorities, she may have also gone by the last names McChesney or Barnes.

Investigation:

An investigation into the killing is being done by a cold case task team. Burke’s name was unknown and her clothing contained no details about her identity until this month, when detectives used forensic genetic genealogy—the process of fusing DNA with that of relatives—to identify her.

In recent years, the method has helped investigators crack numerous cold cases and murder investigations, including the one involving the infamous Golden State Killer in 2018.

Authorities claim they still don’t know who killed Burke or why, so an investigation is ongoing despite the latest discovery.

Sherry Boston, the district attorney for Dekalb County, urged anyone who knew Burke or worked at the hotel where her corpse was discovered around that time to get in touch with the police.

“We’re grateful to finally have identified Becky Burke’s remains, but the work doesn’t end here,” Sherry Boston stated.

Please call our Cold Case Tip Line if you have any knowledge about Becky’s last days. Call the DeKalb County District Attorney’s Cold Case Tip Line at 404-371-2444. Callers may remain anonymous.

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