COPS have arrested a woman nearly five decades after her newborn daughter was found dead in a trash bag at a local landfill.

The arrest marks the end of a decade-long search for the child’s mum.

Cathy McKee, 69, was arrested after her newborn baby was found dead in a trash bagCredit: Columbus County Sheriff’s Office
Cathy McKee, 69, of Whiteville, was taken into custody Tuesday and charged with felony concealing the birth of a child.

Columbus County authorities did not release the baby’s cause of death.

The infant’s body was discovered in 1979 at the Columbus County landfill, prompting an investigation that ultimately went cold after all leads were exhausted.

Sheriff Bill Rogers said: “For 47 years, this baby girl’s life – however brief – mattered to the investigators who first held that case in their hands and to every detective who reviewed it after.

‘Mystery DNA found in Guthrie home doesn’t belong to anyone close to her’

“She was never just evidence, never just a report. She was a child, and she was never forgotten.”

The case was reopened more than a year ago using advances in DNA technology.

Investigators analysed preserved evidence and pursued new leads, ultimately linking McKee to the infant.

Rogers added: “Because of the compassion and foresight of those original deputies who preserved the evidence so carefully, and because of the determination of our detectives … who have worked tirelessly on this investigation, we are finally able to give this child what she deserved all along — the truth.”

Fury as Wuthering Heights hit with trigger warning despite steamy movie

Sheriff Rogers noted that McKee was charged under the laws in effect in 1979.

This means she faces no murder charges, though today the crime would likely be considered homicide.

The original investigation was meticulous, with evidence preserved to ensure future review.

“For 47 years, this baby girl’s story was carried forward – passed from one generation of investigators to the next,” the sheriff’s office said.

“Some who first worked the scene are still remembered today; others have since retired, moved on, or passed away. Yet the responsibility they felt in that moment did not fade.”

Neighbours reacted with shock to McKee’s arrest. “I couldn’t hardly believe it,” said Sue Tyson, a local resident.

McKee was released on a $5,000 bond and waived her right to counsel at a court appearance, WECT reported.

“As a father, this case is one that hits deeply,” Sheriff Rogers said.

“Every child who enters this world deserves protection, love, and the chance to be known.”