A 23-year-old American TikToker, Jenna Gerwatowski, has shared how an Ancestry DNA test led to the unraveling of a 27-year-old murder mystery known as the Baby Garnet case, implicating her grandmother, Nancy Gerwatowski, 61.

In a viral TikTok clip viewed over two million times, Jenna revealed that her casual decision to take the DNA test out of curiosity ultimately brought police to her doorstep.

The DNA Revelation

The chain of events began when Jenna submitted her DNA for testing a few years ago. She recalled being blindsided when, a year later, a Michigan State Police detective contacted her at work, claiming she might be linked to the decades-old case of Baby Garnet.

The case centered around the tragic discovery of a “term or near-term” newborn’s body in an outhouse at Garnet Lake Campground in Naubinway, Michigan. Official DNA testing eventually confirmed that Jenna’s mother was directly related to the child, pointing investigators to Nancy, Jenna’s estranged grandmother.

Nancy’s Arrest and Charges

Nancy Gerwatowski, arrested in 2022, admitted to being the mother of Baby Garnet. Authorities allege she gave birth to the child at home, where it died of asphyxiation. Prosecutors argue the baby might have survived had medical help been sought.

Nancy faces charges of murder, involuntary manslaughter, and concealing the death of an individual. In October 2023, she was released on a personal recognizance bond, subject to GPS monitoring and home confinement. If convicted, she could face life in prison.

TikTok and Public Reaction

Jenna, who had grown up aware of the Baby Garnet case but never met her grandmother, expressed shock at the role her DNA played in solving the cold case.

“This is literally all because of a f–king Ancestry DNA kit,” she said, reflecting on the power of technology to reveal hidden family connections.

Advances in Genetic Science

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel praised the case as an example of how advancements in genetic technology are aiding law enforcement.

“This is a testament to the persistence of law enforcement and the power of science,” Nessel said in a statement, emphasizing the importance of these tools in resolving cold cases and pursuing justice.

Jenna’s TikTok has sparked widespread conversation about the unintended consequences of recreational DNA testing and its growing role in criminal investigations.