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In the early 1990s, police investigated dozens of murders and disappearances of men who had last been seen at Indianapolis gay bars.

The man who identified Baumeister as Brian Smart was nearly suffocated to death during a sexual encounter at Baumeister’s estate. He managed to escape and would later report the attack to the Indiana State Police.

Coroner Jeff Jellison is still working to put names to the murdered men.

The Victims

There are an additional four DNA profiles found at Baumeister’s property that have not been identified, bringing the total number of his victims to 12. Hamilton County Coroner Jeff Jellison said the DNA profiles will be sent to the FBI for genetic genealogy investigation.

“These remains represent people. These people are someone’s son, someone’s brother, someone’s father,” he emphasizes.

“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.”

Jellison added “A special thanks goes to the very talented and hardworking people at the FBI, Indiana State Police Laboratory, Dr. Krista Latham of the Biology & Anthropology Department at the University of Indianapolis, and DNA experts from Texas based Othram Laboratory.”