Body Found In Suitcase Behind Dumpster 35 Years Ago ID'd As GA Woman

MILLEN, GA — Human remains found on Valentine's Day 1988 behind a Jenkins County dumpster was recently identified as Chong Un Kim, of Hinesville, who was 26-years-old at the time of her death.

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation said Monday Kim lived in Hinesville after relocating from Korea in 1981. The GBI said she was found on Feb. 14, 1988, inside of a large, nylon suitcase that was put behind a dumpster north of Millen in Jenkins.

Kim had been wrapped with plastic and duct tape, and she had been dead for about four to seven days, the GBI said. Her cause of death was asphyxiation.

The GBI, which assisted the Jenkins County Sheriff’s Office in the investigation, created a sketch of what the woman could have looked like and compared the woman's fingerprints and dental records to other missing people nationwide.

The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children created a sketch, as well. Both the NCMEC and the GBI's sketches were distributed to the public, and a case was opened with the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System.

"As DNA technology advanced over the years, police resubmitted evidence to the GBI Crime Lab for additional testing. Analysts found DNA on the items submitted, but the profiles obtained were not eligible for entry into the CODIS DNA Database," the GBI said.

This year, the GBI collaborated with Othram, a Texas-based company that uses advanced DNA testing to solve cases, and Project Justice funded the DNA testing.

Authorities were able to develop investigative leads based on the genealogical search, and Kim was identified. Her family was notified this month.

"There is still work to be done to solve the mystery surrounding Kim’s death, and we will work relentlessly to bring justice and closure to her family," the GBI said.

The GBI asks anyone who may have known Kim, or who may have information in the case, to call (912) 871-1121. Anonymous tipsters can either call 1 (800) 597-8477, submit the tips online or download the See Something, Send Something mobile app.