Create a free profile to get unlimited access to exclusive videos, breaking news, sweepstakes, and more!
Former Oklahoma Daycare Worker Charged With Murder Of Son, A 1993 Baby Doe
The identity of an infant who became known as "Baby Boy Hugo" was a mystery for nearly 30 years. Authorities now say DNA helped them arrest Meaonia Michelle Allen, who allegedly confessed to slashing her son's throat shortly after his birth.
A woman in Oklahoma has been charged with killing her infant son shortly after his birth nearly 30 years ago.
Meaonia Michelle Allen, 53, surrendered to state authorities on Friday after a warrant was issued for her arrest, charging her with first-degree murder, according to the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation. DNA connected Allen to “Baby Doe,” whose identity remained unknown for three decades since his body was discovered in rural Choctaw County near Hugo, Oklahoma, in 1993.
The infant’s remains were reportedly dragged into an unrelated family's yard by animals on Dec. 8, 1993, according to The Oklahoman. Baby Doe had sustained a blow to the head, and his throat had been slashed.
The slain infant’s case captured the hearts of many in rural Oklahoma, with locals raising money to give ”Baby Boy Hugo” a proper burial. He was buried in January 1994 in “Baby Land,” a section of Mount Olivet Cemetery reserved for infants who’d passed away.
“Numerous interviews were conducted during the initial investigation,” according to the bureau. “However, the case went cold.”
DNA samples were, however, collected from Baby Doe. In October 2020, the bureau’s Cold Case Unit reopened the case, bringing in criminalists working with their Biology Unit and others from their Forensic Science Center. Together, they submitted Baby Doe’s DNA to Parabon Nanolabs.
“The synergy between our agents and criminalists to solve cold cases, especially those with an unidentified victim, is to be applauded,” said OSBI director Ricky Adams. “Identifying the use of genetic genealogy as a tool and the work of Parabon and our internal genealogy specialist provided significant leads in this disturbing case.”
Six months after reopening the case, the bureau received results from Parabon Nanolabs that ultimately led them to Allen.
On June 15, Allen allowed agents to obtain her DNA at the Durant Police Department. The results allegedly proved Allen was Baby Doe’s biological mother, according to the OSBI.
In subsequent interviews, Allen — who worked at a daycare center at the time — allegedly admitted to being the child’s biological mother and confessed to cutting her son’s throat shortly after she delivered him, according to the bureau. Allen reportedly failed to notify anyone about being pregnant and kept the child a secret ever for the next 30 years.
“Baby Doe can now be properly laid to rest,” Adams continued. “And his killer will be held accountable.”
Jail records show Allen is being held at the Choctaw County detention center.
