Human Remains Found in 1988 Dumpster Identified as Chong Un Kim from Hinesville, Georgia

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) has identified the human remains found in a dumpster in Jenkins County in 1988 as those of Chong Un Kim, a 26-year-old woman from Hinesville, Georgia. The GBI used advanced DNA testing to make the identification.

Human remains found in a dumpster in Jenkins County, Georgia, in 1988 have finally been identified, according to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI). The remains, which were discovered on February 14, 1988, have been confirmed to be those of Chong Un Kim, a 26-year-old woman from Hinesville, Georgia. Kim, who immigrated to the United States from Korea in 1981, had been living in Hinesville for several years before her death.

The GBI was called in to assist with the death investigation by the Jenkins County Sheriff’s Office in 1988. The victim, wrapped in plastic and duct tape, was found inside a large nylon suitcase that had been placed in a dumpster just north of Millen. The cause of death was determined to be asphyxiation, and it appeared that the victim had been dead for four to seven days.

Over the years, the GBI compared the victim’s fingerprints and dental records with those of missing persons from across the country. In an effort to generate leads, a forensic artist created a sketch of what the victim may have looked like, which was widely disseminated. Additionally, DNA testing was conducted on the evidence, but the profiles obtained were not eligible for entry into the CODIS DNA Database.

In 2023, the GBI partnered with Othram, a company specializing in advanced DNA testing and genealogical profiling. Othram utilized Forensic-Grade Genome Sequencing to develop comprehensive profiles, and a genealogical search led to the identification of Chong Un Kim. The GBI informed Kim’s family of the identification in October 2023.

The GBI is now appealing to the public for any information about Chong Un Kim or the circumstances surrounding her death. They can be reached at 912-871-1121, and anonymous tips can be submitted through the See Something, Send Something mobile app or by calling 1-800-597-TIPS (8477). The GBI’s investigation was funded by “Project Justice,” which supported the DNA testing.

The identification of Chong Un Kim after more than three decades brings a glimmer of hope to a case that had long gone cold. It serves as a reminder of the importance of advancements in DNA technology and the tireless efforts of law enforcement agencies to bring justice to victims and their families..