Law Enforcement Awarded Commendations for Baby Mary Case
Published on August 07, 2024
On April 23, 2024, Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll, First Assistant Prosecutor Maggie Calderwood, Chief of Detectives Robert McNally, and Morris County Sheriff James M. Gannon issued commendations to members of the MCPO Major Crimes Unit, Morris County Sheriff’s Office, and Mendham Township Police Department, for their work for the successful investigation and prosecution of the Baby Mary homicide cold case.
The commendations were presented during a ceremony on August 6, 2024.
The following members were honored:
Morris County Prosecutor’s Office
The body of an abandoned newborn baby, named “Baby Mary,” was discovered in the Mendham Township woods by two boys on Christmas Eve in 1984. At the time of her discovery, the baby girl’s umbilical cord was still attached, and the Medical Examiner determined the infant had been alive at the time of her birth. The death was ruled a homicide.
Over the last four decades, investigators from the MCPO and the Mendham Police Department have vigorously pursued every lead to identify Baby Mary and learn more about the circumstances leading to her discovery in the woods. Using new technology, law enforcement networking in three states, and old-fashioned police work, investigators were able to identify Baby Mary’s biological father and mother in 2023. The biological father passed away prior to being identified by investigators. There is no evidence the biological father was aware of the pregnancy, or Baby Mary’s birth or death.
As a result of the diligent work of MCPO investigators and Mendham Township Police, a juvenile delinquency complaint was filed against the biological mother of Baby Mary on April 24, 2023. Mary Catherine Crumlich was a juvenile at the time of her birth. On February 28, 2024, Crumlich entered a guilty plea to Manslaughter, an offense which would be a second degree crime if committed by an adult. On April 3, 2024, the Hon. Michael P. Wright, J.S.C. imposed a disposition of probation conditioned upon 364 days imprisonment at the Morris County Correctional Facility.
For more on the Baby Mary case arrest and disposition, click the following links.
Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll said, “Congratulations to the men and women of the Major Crimes Unit, the Mendham Township Police Department, and the MCSO, who brought closure to a heartbroken community and justice for a little girl abandoned four decades ago. The new forensic DNA technology was just one step in the complex and exhaustive investigation, across multiple states, which the members of the MCU team utilized to bring this case to fruition. I cannot overstate the amount of effort that went into this case. Mendham Township, and the hard-working investigators being honored today, never forgot Baby Mary.”
Sheriff James M. Gannon said, “This case was extremely impactful for all those involved in the investigation. It took old-fashioned police work coupled with new, technologically advanced, investigative techniques to adjudicate this matter. I congratulate everyone who worked this case to, what I categorize is, the best achievable outcome. I am very proud of our Detectives Rosie Brown, Andreas Zaharopoulous, and Detective Sergeant Max Englert who worked in partnership with the Morris County Prosecutor's Office, the Mendham Twp. Police, the NJ State Police, and other agencies for the duration of the final stages of this case. Great work, hard work, with great results. Thank you all.”
Chief Johnson said, “This case is a true testament of hard work and dedication by all those involved. I want to congratulate all those who received well-deserved commendations today, including our own Lt. Steve Bittman, Detective James Arnesen, and Sergeant Matthew Ambrosi. I also want to thank Prosecutor Carrol, Sheriff Gannon, and their personnel for their unrelenting leadership, support, and collaboration in this lengthy and complex investigation. Thank you to everyone on behalf of our community, which can begin healing. Baby Mary continues to have an impact on so many.”
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