Brantford police arrest 39-year-old woman after 20-year probe into infant death

Warning: This story may be disturbing to some readers.

Brantford police have arrested and charged a 39-year-old woman in connection with the death of an infant nearly 20 years ago.

On July 28, 2005, Brantford police were called to an area of walking trails near Dufferin Avenue and Parkside Drive after a person discovered the body of a full-term, newborn baby boy.

The death of the child became the subject of an extensive and ongoing police investigation. As the identity of the child was unknown, officers named him Baby Parker.

Detectives said until now, neither the child’s mother nor father had been identified.

But with the help of the Toronto Police Service, new DNA technologies and advanced investigative techniques, officers were able to identify the person believed to be the mother of Baby Parker.

On Thursday, a woman from who was from Brantford at the time of the incident, has been charged with indignity to a body and concealing the body of a child.

Police said they have no evidence to suggest anyone else was involved during the birth of Baby Parker or in the events that followed. Investigators are not seeking any additional suspects and, at this time, do not anticipate that any further charges will be laid.

Throughout the course of the 20-year investigation, Brantford police worked closely with partner agencies. The Ontario Provincial Police previously assisted with statement analysis through its Behavioral Sciences Section and developed a potential profile of the child’s mother. Information released to the public at that time indicated that it was likely that the mother may have been between 13 and 17 years of age, had a connection to the Holmedale neighbourhood, and may have concealed the pregnancy from those close to her.

Investigators said shortly after the discovery in 2005, Brantford police released segments of a letter they received that they believed was written by the mother of the child. Samples of the handwriting were shared publicly in the hope that someone would recognize and identify the writer.

In the letter, the author indicated they would be in contact with police in the coming days, however, no such individual ever came forward. While a number of tips were received following the release of the handwriting samples, the information did not result in any conclusive investigative leads. Currently, police have no evidence to confirm the identity of the letter’s author.

Over the years, investigators renewed public appeals for information regarding this case.

To protect the integrity of the investigation, and as the matter is now before the courts, Brantford police say they will not comment any further.

Anyone experiencing emotional distress is encouraged to call a local crisis support line for immediate assistance.

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