Police say a former Chicago police detective has been linked through DNA to the cold-case murder of an 8-year-old girl.

DNA and fingerprint evidence linked Thomas F. McInerney Jr., a former Chicago police detective, to the 1960 murder of Gloria Kovalevich.

A former Chicago homicide detective has been identified as the killer of an 8-year-old girl who disappeared while walking to church in 1960, and authorities are now investigating other cases that may be related to the officer.

Thomas F. McInerney Jr. joined the Chicago Police Department in 1959, just a year before the kidnapping and murder of Gloria Kovalicz. He later became a detective investigating violent crimes and remained in the department until his retirement in 1987.

The discovery of the cold case of the murder of the teenager solves the suspect's free life after decades: "It is better to be afraid"

Gloria disappeared on November 12, 1960, after leaving her home shortly before 8 a.m. to attend morning Mass at St. Mary's Church in Mount Carmel, a few blocks away. His body was discovered approximately four hours later in a ditch in a wooded area southwest of Chicago. He was shot dead.

The murder sparked a massive investigation, with police interviewing more than 1,300 people and knocking on hundreds of doors. Despite these efforts, the case remained unsolved for decades.

Investigators recovered evidence from and around the crime scene, including a bullet, Gloria's coat and shoes, and a white purse that contained her prayer book. A fingerprint was also discovered from the strap of the bag.

Authorities say a discarded trash can has opened the door to the 41-year-old's murder in the seaside resort town of Ritsy.

Employees prepare samples for DNA sequencing at the offices and laboratories of the new Othram DNA Forensic Laboratory, in The Woodlands, Texas, on November 6, 2023. (Michael Wyke/Houston Chronicle)

Investigators, working with the FBI and Illinois State Police, used state-of-the-art forensic technology to link preserved DNA and fingerprints to McInerney, the department said.

Ex-cop killer hanged for child's murder as sheriff says he's sure the same monster killed another girl

Police said Gloria's parents died before they found out who killed their daughter, but expressed hope that McInerney's identification would lead to those who knew her.

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