Investigators hopeful new DNA technology will solve Baby John murder

Baby John was murdered in Kerry 37 years ago.

Investigators are hopeful that new DNA technology will finally uncover details about Baby John's parents. The body of the infant, who was murdered 37 years ago, was exhumed yesterday. The exhumation was "carried out at first light". His remains were exhumed from Holy Cross Cemetry in Cahersiveen and taken to University Hospital Kerry for further examinations. Gardaí are hopeful advanced technology will help them identify his parents. The body of Baby John was found on White Strand Beach in Cahersiveen on April 14, 1984. He had suffered 28 stab wounds when his body was discovered. He was only five days old. An investigation was launched in 1984. Gardaí interviewed local women and teenage girls, who had been pregnant and didn't have a baby or who left the area. They collected DNA samples from local people and conducted numerous interviews with people living in the area. They originally identified 25-year-old Joanna Hayes as the baby's mother, but she was wrongfully linked to the investigation. She received an official apology from the State and a  €2.5m settlement last year. Gardaí are urging anyone with information about the case to come forward. A Garda spokesperson said: “Investigating Gardaí continue to believe that there are members of the public who have information in relation to the death of Baby John in April 1984 and we are appealing to those people to come forward and help us.” "Anyone with information is asked to contact Killarney Garda Station at 064 6631222, the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111 or any Garda station."