WESTFIELD, Ind. (Gray News) – Authorities in Indiana are making ongoing efforts to identify human remains discovered on the property of alleged serial killer Herb Baumeister, many years after his death. This investigation remains one of the most challenging and extensive in the state's history, given the scale and complexity of the case.

Herb Baumeister, who operated a successful thrift store chain, is accused of luring young men to his home, Fox Hollow Farm, in the 1980s and 1990s and murdering them. Baumeister's suspected killing spree came to light after several young men went missing under mysterious circumstances. However, before authorities could apprehend and question him, Baumeister took his own life in 1996 at a park in Ontario, Canada.

The Hamilton County Coroner’s Office has recently made a significant breakthrough in this cold case. They announced that human remains originally recovered from the 18-acre Fox Hollow Farm property in 1996 have been identified as belonging to Jeffrey Jones. Jones, who was reported missing in August 1993, is now the third victim to be positively identified from the renewed investigation into the extensive collection of remains found on the property.

The identification process has been painstakingly difficult. Coroner Jeff Jellison explained that many of the remains were found in a severely degraded state, often burnt and crushed, which complicates forensic analysis. "This investigation is extremely challenging due to the condition of the remains," Jellison said. "However, the team of law enforcement and forensic specialists working the case remain committed."

The renewed investigation, which began several years ago, has involved a collaborative effort between local and federal agencies, including the FBI, Indiana State Police, the University of Indianapolis, and DNA experts from Texas. These teams have utilized advanced forensic techniques and genetic genealogy to aid in the identification process.

Jeffrey Jones's identification was a result of meticulous forensic work and DNA matching. The coroner's office, with the help of advanced DNA technology, managed to match Jones’s DNA with samples provided by his family. This breakthrough not only provides closure for Jones's family but also underscores the importance of ongoing forensic efforts in solving cold cases.

Authorities revealed that they have four additional DNA profiles from the remains found at Fox Hollow Farm that have not yet been identified. These profiles suggest there could be more victims than initially estimated, bringing the total number of potential victims to 12. These unidentified profiles will be sent to the FBI for further genetic genealogy investigation, which involves tracing DNA through family trees to find potential matches.

The history of Fox Hollow Farm has been marked by horror and mystery. Initially, the property was just another serene estate in Westfield, Indiana. However, after Baumeister's crimes came to light, it became the site of one of the most gruesome discoveries in Indiana's criminal history. In 1996, during a search of the property, authorities unearthed more than 10,000 bone fragments, leading to the grim realization of the extent of Baumeister's alleged crimes.

The case of Herb Baumeister has attracted significant media attention over the years, partly due to the chilling nature of the crimes and partly due to the sheer number of victims. Baumeister was suspected in the disappearances of numerous young men, many of whom were last seen at gay bars in Indianapolis. Despite the overwhelming evidence found on his property, including personal belongings of the missing men and human remains, Baumeister never faced justice in court due to his suicide.

The ongoing investigation serves as a reminder of the enduring impact of Baumeister's crimes. For the families of the victims, each identification brings a semblance of closure but also reignites the pain of their loss. Law enforcement remains dedicated to identifying all the victims and providing answers to their families.

As authorities continue their work, the focus remains on uncovering the full extent of Baumeister's crimes and ensuring that all victims are identified and their families informed. This process may take years, but the commitment to justice and closure for the victims' families remains unwavering.