Identification of Former Detective as 1960 Child’s Murderer

A significant breakthrough has occurred in a cold case involving the murder of an 8-year-old girl, Gloria Kowalewicz, who vanished on her way to church in Chicago in 1960. Authorities have identified former Chicago homicide detective Thomas F. McInerney Jr. as the killer. This revelation has prompted an examination of other cases potentially linked to McInerney.

Timeline of Events

McInerney joined the Chicago Police Department in 1959, just a year before Gloria’s tragic abduction and murder. During his tenure, he became a detective handling violent crime investigations. He remained with the department until retiring in 1987.

Advancements in DNA technology and a preserved fingerprint were crucial in identifying McInerney as the suspect, despite his passing in 2006 at age 70. This identification was confirmed by Chicago police to Fox News Digital.

Details of the Crime

Gloria disappeared on November 12, 1960, shortly after leaving her home to attend morning Mass at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel Church. Her body was found approximately four hours later, shot to death in a ditch at a forest preserve southwest of Chicago.

The investigation at the time was extensive, with police interviewing over 1,300 individuals and conducting numerous door-to-door inquiries. Despite these efforts, the case remained unsolved for decades.

Preserved Evidence and DNA Analysis

Critical evidence from the crime scene included a bullet, Gloria’s coat and shoes, and a white communion purse with her prayer book. Most notably, a fingerprint was recovered from the purse’s strap. Collaborating with the FBI and Illinois State Police, investigators used current forensic technology to match DNA and the fingerprint to McInerney.

According to a statement from the Chicago Police Department, McInerney’s involvement is a shocking revelation, marking the failure to identify and hold him accountable during his lifetime.

Further Investigations

The Cook County State’s Attorney’s office is now reviewing other cases that may have connections to McInerney’s criminal activities, as reported by The Associated Press.

The identification of McInerney brings some closure to those who knew Gloria despite her parents passing before these revelations. McInerney previously worked for the Federal Public Defender’s Office in Nevada before retiring in 2004. He died two years later without facing charges for Gloria’s murder.