Death of Mary Jane Barker

Mary Jane Barker
Born	(1953-03-29)March 29, 1953 Bellmawr, New Jersey, U.S.
Died	February 28, 1957(1957-02-28) (aged 3) Bellmawr, New Jersey, U.S.
Known for	Disappearance and death

The death of Mary Jane Barker refers to the tragic disappearance and subsequent death of a 4-year-old girl in Bellmawr, New Jersey, in 1957. The case garnered significant media attention and led to widespread community efforts to locate the missing child.

Disappearance

Mary Jane Barker was last seen on February 25, 1957, playing with a neighbor's dog near her home in Bellmawr. When she did not return home, her family reported her missing to the Bellmawr Police Department. The disappearance prompted an extensive search involving local law enforcement, volunteers, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

Search Efforts

The search for Mary Jane Barker included door-to-door inquiries, the distribution of missing person flyers, and the use of bloodhounds. Despite these efforts, no immediate clues were found. The case received widespread media coverage, and the community remained hopeful for her safe return.

Discovery of the Body

On February 28, 1957, Mary Jane Barker's body was discovered in an abandoned house near her home. She was found in a closet, along with the neighbor's dog. The discovery was made by a local resident who had entered the house to investigate after hearing noises.

Investigation

The investigation into Mary Jane Barker's death revealed that she had accidentally locked herself in the closet while playing with the dog. The autopsy determined that she had died of starvation and exposure. There were no signs of foul play, and her death was ruled accidental.

Aftermath

The death of Mary Jane Barker had a profound impact on the Bellmawr community. It highlighted the importance of child safety and led to increased awareness and preventive measures to protect children from similar accidents. The case also underscored the need for thorough searches of all potential hiding places during missing person investigations.

Legacy

Mary Jane Barker's tragic death remains a poignant reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by young children. Her story continues to be remembered in the Bellmawr community and serves as a cautionary tale for parents and caregivers.

See also

• List of solved missing person cases
• List of unsolved deaths
• Child safety