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Warning: This story contains distressing details.
More than 20 years after the body of a newborn boy was discovered near a trail in Brantford, Ont., police say they’ve made an arrest.
On Thursday, a 39-year-old woman — who is believed to be the mother of the baby — has been charged with indignity to a body and concealing the body of a child, Brantford Police Service said in a news release.
She was recently located through the use of new DNA technology and investigative techniques, and with help from Toronto police, it said. The father has not been identified.
Brantford police said they have no evidence to suggest anyone else was involved during the birth of the baby or in the events after. They aren’t releasing the name of the woman and don’t anticipate any other charges will be laid.
On July 28, 2005, a person walking on trails near Dufferin Avenue and Parkside Drive found the newborn’s body. Brantford police later gave him the name Baby Parker. The baby appeared to have been born full term.
“I extend my sincere appreciation to all members, both past and present, sworn and civilian, whose unwavering dedication and professionalism were essential in advancing the Baby Parker investigation,” said Insp. Keith Tollar in the statement.
“Their commitment was pivotal in bringing resolution to the case, which has profoundly impacted our community and our police service. Their collective determination to seek closure for Baby Parker has led us to this important milestone.”
End of an ‘extensive investigation’
What followed was an “extensive and ongoing investigation” to learn the baby’s identity, as well as that of the mother and father, police said.
Ontario Provincial Police developed a potential profile of the child’s mother — that she may have been a teenager who concealed the pregnancy from those close to her.
Brantford police also publicly released parts of a letter and handwriting samples sent to the service that had possibly been written by the mother. The author of the letter said they’d be in contact with police, but never came forward.
No “conclusive” leads emerged and police said they continued to appeal to the public for more information.
Investigators analyzed hundreds of DNA samples collected from people living in the neighbourhood where Baby Parker was found, but none were a match as of 2023.
Police said they are not sharing more at this time about the investigative techniques they used to identify the woman, as the matter is now before the courts.
