Former Chicago Detective Identified by DNA as Killer in 1960 Cold Case Murder

CHICAGO – Authorities have identified a former Chicago police detective as the perpetrator in the 1960 murder of an 8-year-old girl, whose case remained unsolved for over six decades. Advances in DNA technology and a preserved fingerprint led investigators to Thomas F. McInerney Jr., who died in 2006 at age 70.

McInerney joined the Chicago Police Department in 1959, the year before Gloria Kowalewicz was abducted and killed while walking to church. He later served as a detective in the violent crimes unit and remained with the department until his retirement in 1987.

Gloria disappeared on Nov. 12, 1960, en route to morning Mass. Her body was discovered approximately four hours later in a forest preserve southwest of Chicago, having been shot. The initial investigation involved interviews with over 1,300 people and door-to-door inquiries, but the case went cold.

Investigators had preserved evidence from the crime scene, including a bullet, Gloria's clothing, and a communion purse containing her prayer book. A fingerprint was also recovered from the purse's strap.

Working with the FBI and Illinois State Police, investigators utilized modern forensic technology to match the DNA and fingerprint to McInerney. "McInerney should never have worn the CPD star, and it is devastating to accept that he was never identified and held accountable while he was alive," Chicago police stated.

The Cook County State's Attorney's Office is reportedly reviewing other cases that may have involved McInerney. According to the Associated Press, McInerney also worked for the Federal Public Defender's Office in Nevada before retiring in 2004, two years before his death. He was never charged in Gloria's murder.

While Gloria's parents passed away before learning the identity of her killer, police expressed hope that this development might bring some closure to those who knew her.