DNA helps police identify mother of Baby Parker, a newborn baby found dead in 2005

A woman has been arrested as part of an investigation into the discovery of a dead newborn baby in Brantford, Ont. more than 20 years ago.

A woman, believed to be Baby Parker’s mother, has been identified almost 21 years after the newborn’s remains were discovered along a trail in Brantford, Ont.

The Brantford Police Service said they used DNA and advanced investigative techniques to track down the 39-year-old woman.

On July 28, 2005, a woman was walking her dog near Dufferin Avenue and Parkside Drive when she spotted the body of a full-term baby wrapped in a towel.

“I was so upset,” Margaret Littlewood told CTV News in 2016. “I couldn’t believe it.”

The next day, a neighbour found a “bloodied object” in his backyard. It was later determined to be a placenta, which was eventually linked, through DNA, to the newborn.

An autopsy found trauma to the child’s ribs and skull, but the medical examiner could not determine what had happened to him.

The original investigating officer named the infant Baby Parker, a moniker derived from his proximity to Parkside Drive.

One week after the gruesome discovery, an anonymous note was sent to the Brantford Police Service’s station, allegedly from the child’s mother. She claimed she hid the pregnancy and wasn’t sure who the father was.

“My friend helped me with the birth of the baby,” the note said. “We were out partying in the… park when I started to have contractions.”

The writer claimed the baby died at birth and promised to visit the police station “by the end of the week” but never did. Investigators later released samples of the letter in the hopes someone would recognize the handwriting.

Baby Parker’s mother was never identified, despite extensive efforts by investigators to find his family.

“DNA was relatively new,” Insp. Keith Tollar said in an interview with CTV News on Thursday regarding the first few years of the case. “Our police investigators at the time focused a lot of time and effort on canvassing the area where Baby Parker was located. As a result of that, we embarked on one of the largest canvasses for DNA evidence at that time.”

New developments

Those efforts eventually paid off.

“Our officers take these investigations personally and want to help,” Tollar said. “They wanted to bring some closure for Baby Parker.”

Police said they were able to identify the woman believed to be Baby Parker’s mother with help from the Toronto Police Service and using new DNA technology.

“To protect the integrity of the investigation, and as the matter is now before the courts, the Brantford Police Service will not be providing further comment regarding investigative techniques or evidentiary details,” they said in media release.

The 39-year-old woman was arrested in Brantford on Thursday and charged with indignity to a body and concealing the body of a child.

At the time of Baby Parker’s birth, she would have been approximately 18 years old.

“Given the sensitive nature of this investigation, and in consideration of privacy interests and the ongoing judicial process, the name of the accused will not be released at this time,” the release said. “Police have no evidence to suggest that 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.”

They also have no evidence the letter they received in 2005 was actually from Baby Parker’s mother.

The father has never been identified.

Community support

The Brantford Police Service said the case has had a profound impact on the community.

Tollar specifically noted the work of Parker’s Project, whose members have continued to hold memorials on the anniversary of his discovery.

“We do want to thank those members for helping to keep Baby Parker’s memory alive. It helped keep the investigators motivated as well,” Tollar said.

He also praised the efforts of the Brantford Police Service, both past and present.

“This investigation demonstrates that we don’t give up,” Tollar said.

Seeking help

The police service urged anyone who has experienced the loss of a baby, a traumatic birth or other pregnancy-related concerns, to reach out for support.

“Individuals seeking assistance are encouraged to connect with their healthcare provider, local public health unit, or community-based counselling services,” they wrote. “Anyone experiencing emotional distress may also contact a local crisis support line for immediate assistance. No one should feel they must navigate difficult circumstances alone.”

Local resources include:

• Crisis Phone and Walk-in Service/SOAR Community Services (Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week) at 519-759-7188 or 1-866-811-7188.
• Six Nations Mental Health & Addictions at 519-445-2204.
• Kids Help Phone at 1-800-668-6868 or text CONNECT to 686868.
• Call 911 for emergencies or 988 for the Suicide Crisis Helpline. (Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week).

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