DNA evidence and a preserved fingerprint link Thomas F. McInerney Jr. to the 65-year-old murder of Gloria Kowalewicz, according to Chicago police.
Chicago Police Identify Former Officer in Decades-Old Child Murder
CHICAGO, IL — The Chicago Police Department has identified a former homicide detective as the person responsible for the 1960 murder of 8-year-old Gloria Kowalewicz, bringing a conclusion to a criminal investigation that remained unresolved for more than six decades.
On October 12, 2026, Chicago police publicly identified Thomas F. McInerney Jr., a former officer who later worked as a homicide detective, following advances in forensic DNA analysis, investigative genetic genealogy, and fingerprint examination.
McInerney joined the Chicago Police Department in 1959, approximately one year before Kowalewicz was murdered. He remained employed by the department until retiring in 1987.
He died in Las Vegas in August 2006 at age 70, nearly 20 years before authorities publicly identified him in connection with the killing.
Although investigators have concluded that McInerney was responsible, he was never criminally charged or convicted in connection with Kowalewicz’s death.
The findings were first reported by the Chicago Tribune on October 11, 2026, and subsequently confirmed through statements from the Chicago Police Department.
The 1960 Abduction and Murder of Gloria Kowalewicz
On the morning of November 12, 1960, Gloria Kowalewicz left her family’s home in Chicago’s West Englewood neighborhood to attend Mass at a nearby Catholic church.
The church was approximately three blocks from her residence.
Gloria never arrived.
According to historical reporting and the Chicago Police Department, Gloria was abducted during the short walk. Her body was discovered later that day in a wooded forest preserve southwest of Chicago.
Investigators determined that she had suffered fatal gunshot wounds. Contemporary reporting described two gunshot wounds to her head, along with bruising around her neck.
The child’s disappearance and murder prompted an extensive investigation involving law enforcement personnel and community volunteers.
Despite a large-scale search and numerous investigative leads, authorities were unable to identify the person responsible.
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Evidence Preserved for More Than Six Decades
Investigators collected and preserved several pieces of physical evidence associated with Gloria’s disappearance and murder.
According to Chicago police, the recovered evidence included:
- A bullet recovered during the original murder investigation.
- Clothing belonging to Gloria, including her coat and shoes.
- A white communion purse containing her prayer book.
- A fingerprint recovered from the strap of the communion purse.
- Biological evidence subsequently identified and preserved for forensic examination.
The original investigation involved interviews with more than 1,300 individuals. More than a dozen people were reportedly subjected to polygraph examinations.
Investigators also followed numerous leads, but the case remained unsolved.
The preservation of physical evidence ultimately proved central to the investigation’s resolution.
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Investigative Genetic Genealogy Produces Breakthrough
A major development occurred when investigators revisited biological evidence collected during the original investigation.
According to Chicago Tribune reporting, forensic testing identified semen associated with Gloria’s clothing.
The Tribune reported that investigators did not believe Gloria had been sexually assaulted. The identification of biological material does not, by itself, establish that a sexual assault occurred.
In 2024, investigators submitted preserved clothing evidence for additional analysis through an initiative supporting forensic testing and investigative genetic genealogy.
Investigative genetic genealogy uses DNA profiles and genealogical research to identify potential relatives of an unknown individual. Investigators can then develop family relationships and leads that may help identify a person associated with crime-scene evidence.
In July 2026, investigators identified McInerney as the source of biological evidence associated with the case, according to Chicago Tribune reporting.
The investigative findings were developed with assistance from the FBI and Illinois State Police.
Fingerprint Evidence Connects McInerney to Crime Scene
DNA was not the only forensic evidence authorities relied upon.
According to investigators, the fingerprint recovered from the strap of Gloria’s communion purse was eventually compared with fingerprints McInerney had submitted when applying to become a Chicago police officer in 1959.
The prints matched, investigators reported.
Authorities also examined ballistic evidence associated with the original crime.
Chicago Tribune reporting indicated that investigators identified records showing McInerney had owned Colt revolvers consistent with the type of firearm associated with the recovered bullet.
That finding does not independently establish that a particular firearm owned by McInerney was the murder weapon.
Chicago police ultimately cited the combined DNA, fingerprint, and ballistic findings in identifying McInerney as responsible for Gloria’s murder.
Because McInerney died before investigators publicly identified him, the evidence was never presented against him in a criminal trial.
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Who Was Thomas F. McInerney Jr.?
Thomas F. McInerney Jr. was a U.S. Army veteran who joined the Chicago Police Department in 1959.
He was approximately 24 years old when Gloria Kowalewicz was murdered.
According to published accounts, McInerney’s parents lived near Gloria’s family in Chicago.
During his law enforcement career, McInerney eventually became a detective assigned to investigate violent crimes, including homicides.
He retired from the Chicago Police Department in 1987 after approximately 28 years of service.
Following his retirement, McInerney moved to Nevada and worked as an investigator with federal public defender offices in Las Vegas and Reno.
He retired from that work in 2004.
His published obituary described numerous commendations during his Chicago police career and recognition as an outstanding federal defender investigator in 2003.
McInerney died on August 30, 2006.
Authorities have not publicly established that McInerney used his position as a police officer to conceal evidence, interfere with the investigation, or prevent his identification.
Chicago Police Department Responds to Findings
The Chicago Police Department publicly condemned McInerney’s actions following the announcement.
In its October 12 statement, the department described the killing as an act that devastated Gloria’s family and others who knew her.
The department stated:
“McInerney should never have worn the CPD star.”
Police also acknowledged that Gloria’s parents died without learning who was responsible for their daughter’s murder.
The department expressed hope that identifying McInerney would provide some closure to surviving relatives and others affected by the crime.
The department’s announcement identified McInerney as responsible based on its investigation. It did not constitute a court finding of guilt.
FBI and Prosecutors Examine Potential Connections to Other Cases
The identification of McInerney has raised additional investigative questions about whether he could be connected to other unresolved crimes.
According to reporting by NBC News and the Associated Press, the FBI is examining potential connections between McInerney and other unsolved cases.
McInerney’s DNA information has reportedly been entered into a federal database to assist investigators in identifying possible associations with other criminal investigations.
The Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office is also reviewing cases potentially involving McInerney, according to the Associated Press.
As of October 14, 2026, authorities have not publicly established that McInerney committed additional murders or other crimes.
There is also no verified finding that cases he investigated during his police career were improperly handled.
Any additional investigative findings would require separate examination and corroboration.
Victim’s Family Reacts to Identification
For members of Gloria Kowalewicz’s surviving family, the identification of McInerney has provided answers after decades of uncertainty.
Gloria’s brother, Adam Kowalewicz, told the Chicago Tribune that he experienced relief upon learning investigators had identified the person responsible.
However, he also expressed frustration that McInerney had lived for decades following the murder without facing criminal accountability.
“He never paid his dues,” Adam told the newspaper.
Gloria’s parents died before investigators identified McInerney.
The announcement therefore provides investigative closure without the possibility of a criminal prosecution against the identified suspect.
Current Status
- Suspect identified: Chicago police have identified Thomas F. McInerney Jr. as responsible for Gloria Kowalewicz’s 1960 murder.
- Forensic findings: DNA evidence and fingerprint comparisons were central to the identification, with ballistic evidence also examined.
- Criminal prosecution: No prosecution is possible against McInerney because he died in 2006.
- Additional investigations: Federal authorities are examining possible connections to other unsolved cases.
- Case review: The Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office is reviewing other cases potentially involving McInerney.
- Additional victims: No additional crimes committed by McInerney have been publicly confirmed.
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Sources and Reporting
The information in this article is based on publicly reported findings attributed to the Chicago Police Department and subsequent reporting from the following outlets:
- Chicago Tribune: Original investigative reporting published October 11, 2026. https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/10/11/65-year-old-cold-case/
- CBS News Chicago: Reporting on the identification and CPD’s official statement, October 12, 2026. https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news/former-chicago-police-officer-killer-cold-case-murder-gloria-kowalewicz/
- NBC News: Reporting on forensic developments and federal involvement, October 12, 2026. https://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/national-international/chicago-police-cold-case-murder-gloria-kowalewicz-solved-dna/4086084/
- Associated Press: October 13, 2026, reporting on the identification and review of potentially related cases. https://apnews.com/article/8566bdef2660bad4a0033129a0181afc
- The Guardian: October 13, 2026, reporting on the case and family response. https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/oct/13/chicago-police-detective-child-killer-cold-case
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