Woman’s Ancestry DNA test solved murder case, puts grandma in jail

A TikToker’s DNA test has solved a infamous 27 year long murder mystery, leading to her grandma’s arrest.

A woman recently shared how her Ancestry DNA test helped solve a notorious 25 year old murder mystery known as the Baby Garnet case, resulting in her grandmother’s arrest.

Jenna Rose Gerwatowski, 23, posted a TikTok video that has amassed over 13 million views, explaining that she decided to take a DNA test a few years ago because she thought it was a “dope” thing to do.

“Little did I know …” she said with a laugh before diving into the story, which started when a Michigan State Police detective called her out of the blue at work.

When she first answered the phone, she recalled saying, “What did I do?” and began to panic.

The detective quickly clarified that she had reopened a murder mystery case from 1997 due to her DNA match.

Ms Gerwatowski was shocked but even more horrified when she learned the case was the notorious Baby Garnet case, which involved the death of a “term or near-term” newborn found in an outhouse at Garnet Lake Campground in Naubinway, Michigan.

A TikToker helped solve a notorious murder mystery case when she did a DNA test. Picture: Getty Images

Further DNA testing confirmed that the child was directly related to her mother, leading her to realise it was connected to “my mum’s mother,” Nancy Gerwatowski, 61, whom she had never met.

“I was mind-blown,” she admitted. “She is literally the person they’ve been looking for 25 years — and it’s all because of an Ancestry DNA kit,” she claimed in her viral video.

Nancy Gerwatowski was arrested in 2022 on charges of murder, involuntary manslaughter, and concealing a body, according to Click on Detroit.

Nancy admitted to the publication that she was the mother of Baby Garnet.

The results of the DNA test resulted in her grandma, Nancy Gerwatowski’s, arrest. Picture: Mackinac County Sheriff’s Office

Reports indicate that she gave birth at home, where the child died from asphyxiation, and then left the body in the outhouse.

Prosecutors argue that seeking medical assistance could have saved the baby.

In October 2023, Nancy was released on a personal recognisance bond, which requires her to comply with GPS monitoring and home confinement.

If convicted, she faces the possibility of life in prison.

The TikToker said she had never met her grandma, but was shocked to learn who she was. Picture: TikTok/Jenna Gerwatowski

Michigan Attorney-General Dana Nessel has previously acknowledged how genetic advancements can help solve longstanding cold cases.

“This is a testament to the persistence of law enforcement and the power of science,” he stated in a press release in May.

“We are finally able to pursue justice for Baby Garnet, thanks to the tireless work of investigators and the technological progress that has made this possible.”

Over 10000 people commented on the young TikToker’s clip, many expressing shock at how the story unfolded.

“I’ve heard of the Baby Garnet case, sorry love,” said one user.

“I’m so sorry your family has had to go through this! The Baby Garnet case is so tragic,” commented another.

“Thanks to you, Baby Garnet will be getting justice — that’s amazing news,” said someone else.