DNA Technology Solves Indiana Serial Killer Case Decades Later

Herbert Baumeister, an Indiana businessman, owned the 18-acre Fox Hollow Farm north of Indianapolis where he murdered at least 13 men—predominantly gay men—during the early-to-mid 1990s. Baumeister was never convicted. He died by suicide in 1996, the same year searchers discovered thousands of bone fragments scattered across his property, potentially belonging to as many as 25 victims.

For decades, the case remained largely unsolved due to technological limitations. When investigators first excavated Fox Hollow Farm in 1996, they recovered over 10,000 bone fragments and bones from approximately 12 individuals. However, lack of adequate DNA funding and technology meant many remains could not be identified. The bones were stored at a university, where they sat with little progress for years.

A renewed investigation launched in 2022, led by Hamilton County Coroner Jeff Jellison, changed everything. Jellison's team collaborated with the University of Indianapolis forensic archaeology lab, Indiana State Police, Othram Inc., and the University of North Texas Center for Human Identification to reanalyze 44 bones and fragments using modern DNA methods—specifically Othram's Forensic-Grade Genome Sequencing technology.

The first breakthrough came in 2023 when Allen Livingston was identified through DNA testing at the Indiana State Police Laboratory, after his family prompted the reinvestigation seeking closure. His mother passed away in November 2024, making the identification bittersweet.