Former Chicago Detective Tied to 1960 Murder Case Using DNA

Authorities have identified a former Chicago homicide detective as the killer of an 8-year-old girl who vanished while walking to church in 1960. This revelation has prompted further investigation into other cases linked to the officer. Thomas F. McInerney Jr., who joined the Chicago Police Department in 1959, was involved in the abduction and murder of Gloria Kowalewicz, a year later. He later worked as a detective on violent crimes until his retirement in 1987.

More than six decades after the murder, breakthroughs in DNA technology and a preserved fingerprint led Chicago police to identify McInerney as the perpetrator. He passed away in 2006 at age 70. The Chicago Police Department acknowledged the discovery, stating, “McInerney should never have worn the CPD star, and it is devastating to accept that he was never identified and held accountable while he was alive.”

In 1960, Gloria disappeared on November 12 after leaving for morning mass at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel Church. Her body was found four hours later in a ditch at a nearby forest preserve. She had been shot. The case remained unresolved despite exhaustive investigative efforts, including interviews with over 1,300 people.

The investigation retained crucial evidence, such as Gloria’s coat, shoes, prayer book, and a fingerprint from her purse strap. Working with the FBI and Illinois State Police, investigators used advanced forensic tools to connect DNA and fingerprint evidence to McInerney.

The Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office is examining other potential cases that might involve McInerney. Although Gloria’s parents passed away without knowing their daughter’s murderer, police hope revealing this information gives some closure to those who knew her. McInerney also served at the Federal Public Defender’s Office in Nevada before retiring in 2004, two years prior to his death.