In 1996, when executing a search warrant, police discovered 10,000 human bones and bone fragments on Fox Hollow Farm, which belonged to Herb Baumeister, a local business owner, suspected of killing up to 25 people between 1980 and the early 1990s. Baumeister lured gay men to his home while his family was away on vacation and killed them, dismembering and burying their bodies on his 18-acre property in Hamilton County, Indiana.
A Human Skull
The investigation began when Baumeister’s 15-year-old son found a human skull 60 yards from his home. Three days later, more remains were found along with shotgun shells and handcuffs. At the time, Baumeister tried to explain that the skull was part of his father’s medical practice. By the time police executed their search warrant, Baumeister had fled the country and hid in Canada where he committed suicide.
Halted Investigation
Police were able to identify eight men using dental records and DNA technology. However, the investigation was halted when funding for DNA tests was cut, placing the financial burden on the family members of missing people and leaving at least 17 people unidentified.
Two Years Later
Two years after the chilling discovery, police concluded that Herb Baumeister was also responsible for the murders of 11 young boys and adults, whose bodies were dumped in shallow streams along the interstate in Indiana and Ohio in the 80s, dubbing him the “I-70 Strangler”. It is believed that these killings stopped when Baumeister bought Fox Hollow Farm and began killing and dismembering his victims there.
Newer Technology
A renewed effort to identify the remaining bones began using newer technologies in 2022 after Eric Pranger asked Hamilton County Coroner Jeff Jellison to help determine if his uncle was among the dead. Pranger and his family suspected that their relative, Allen Livingston, who was bisexual, could be a victim after he went missing in 1993 in downtown Indianapolis. Jellison, who was about to take office, stated that it’s his job as coroner to identify the dead and reopened the investigation.
Another Three Victims
In doing so, the coroner’s office was able to positively identify another three victims. Allen Livingston was positively identified in late 2023, while Jeffery Jones and Manuel Resendez, who also went missing in 1993, were identified in 2024. Jones was first identified during the initial search, but more of his remains were identified when Jellison reopened the case.
Thirteen Profiles
Scientists have a total of 13 male DNA profiles extracted from the bones. Nine samples matched already identified victims, while four remain unidentified and have been sent to the FBI for testing. This brings the number of victims up to 13 out of a possible 25. Jellison and his team are hoping to match more DNA with the help of family members of men who went missing in the area in the mid-80s and early 90s.
40 Samples
Thus far, at least 40 DNA samples have been provided to police by family members who believe a missing male relative may be a victim. These samples are being processed and entered into the FBI’s Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) to find possible matches. However, this search is limited to those who have been reported missing.
A Challenging Investigation
The current investigative team includes the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office, the FBI, the Indiana State Police, the University of Indianapolis Archaeology and Forensic Lab, Indiana State Police Biology Unit, and DNA experts from Texas. Jellison said in a statement, “Because many of the remains were found burnt and crushed, this investigation is extremely challenging; however, the team of law enforcement and forensic specialists working the case remain committed.”
A Memorial
A memorial was dedicated to Baumeister’s victims in Westfield, Indiana. The memorial, including an ossuary and monument, was paid for by Linda Znachko, who runs a nonprofit ministry called “He Knows Your Name”, and unveiled in August 2024. Znachko expressed at the unveiling that this memorial “does not undo the horror of this tragedy”.
Their Remains
The ossuary, a room in which bones are placed, provides a free burial option and the remains of Allen Livingston and Jeffery Jones identified in 2024 are interred there. The monument lists the names of identified victims with space for more names. As part of the unveiling, white doves were released in honor of the Fox Hollow Farm victims.
Sources
Indiana Serial Killer’s Farm Littered With 10,000 Human Remains: Report
More than 10,000 remains found on suspected serial killer’s Indiana farm still being ID’ed 28 years later
All of Indiana serial killer’s victims could be identified as renewed investigative push plays out in laboratories
More than 10,000 human remains found on suspected serial killer’s farm
Who were the victims at Fox Hollow Farm? Here’s what we know about the serial killings
Coroner, ministry team up to honor Fox hollow Farm victims decades later
Memorial for Fox Hollow Farm victims dedicated in Westfield
