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Mich. Man Says He's NY Toddler Snatched in 1955

Michigan man has same birthmark as boy kidnapped from outside bakery in 1955

By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff

Posted Jun 18, 2009 6:38 AM CDT

(Newser) – A Michigan man believes he has solved the mystery of his own 1955 kidnapping, the New York Daily News reports. A decade ago, John Barnes' mother hinted on her deathbed that he was not her biological son. After extensive research, Barnes uncovered the unsolved case of a toddler—who had a dime-size birthmark and snaking facial scar similar to his own—snatched outside a bakery on Long Island 54 years ago.

Barnes—who resembles the father of the kidnapped toddler, now an Iowa farmer—says preliminary DNA comparisons with the boy's sister indicate they may be related. The FBI are now involved in the case and Barnes will learn if he is indeed Steven Damman when tests come back in 30 to 60 days. "I'm about 99% convinced," he said. "But I want the FBI to tell me."  

Jerry Damman talks about his son Stephen Damman who disappeared from outside a Long Island, New York, bakery more than 50 years ago.
Jerry Damman talks about his son Stephen Damman who disappeared from outside a Long Island, New York, bakery more than 50 years ago.   (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
This 2-picture combo shows Stephen Damman, who was snatched from outside a bakery in 1955, and John Barnes.
This 2-picture combo shows Stephen Damman, who was snatched from outside a bakery in 1955, and John Barnes.   (AP Photo/John L. Russell)
This missing persons notice from 1955  shows 2-year-old Stephen Damman, who vanished from a bakery on New York's Long Island on Oct. 31, 1955.
This missing persons notice from 1955 shows 2-year-old Stephen Damman, who vanished from a bakery on New York's Long Island on Oct. 31, 1955.   (AP Photo/Nassau County Police Department)
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