The missing daughter of a murdered American couple has been found over 40 years later thanks to genetic profiling.
The whereabouts of “Baby Holly” have been a mystery for decades following her parents murder in 1981. They were only formally identified through DNA testing last year, leading to the search for Holly.
The bodies of Tina and Harold Crouse were found in a wooded area near Houston while their baby daughter’s whereabouts remained a mystery for decades.
The now 42-year-old woman was informed of her identity by police at her workplace earlier this week. She has since spoken to some of her biological family and hopes to meet them in person soon.
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Her grandmother, who is still alive, said that the news was like “a birthday present from heaven.”
It is believed that a religious cult may have been responsible for the young couple’s deaths.
Two barefoot women in white robes dropped Holly off at a church in the days subsequent to the murder.
Texas First Assistant Attorney General Brent Webster said in a statement: “They indicated the beliefs of their religion included the separation of male and female members, practicing vegetarian habits and not using or wearing leather goods."
Holly was raised by a foster family who are not believed to be implicated in the murders.
Police are currently looking for the two suspects who may have left Holly at the church.
“We wish Holly the best. We're grateful that we found her. But we must continue with our purpose of finding who murdered this couple," Webster added.
