UPDATE: Release 2020-0667

September 18, 2020 9:30 AM

After months of investigation, the Saskatoon Police Service is turning to science in a new way in hopes of bringing a file to conclusion. In November 2019, a deceased infant was found in a recycling bin in the 400 block of 5th Avenue North. Since that time, Police continue to follow up on tips and claims, but the mother has yet to be identified. Investigators have taken the unique step to submit the DNA from the mother, which was found in the bag with the infant, to a U.S. based company in order to develop a composite. Parabon® Snapshot® DNA Phenotyping Services provides predictions of human appearance from DNA. The DNA analysis predicts that the female has light brown skin (97.8% confidence), hazel or brown eyes (88.8% confidence), black hair (99.99% confidence), few freckles (67.4% confidence), and is of Native American ancestry with smaller contributions from Europe and East Asia (57.89%, 28.66%, and 12.79% respectively). Based on the analysis, the attached composite is being released to the public in hopes of identifying the mother. Police continue to have concern for the mother and her mental health, and ask anyone with information on her identity or this file, to contact Saskatoon Police at 306-975-8300 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

UPDATE: Release 2019-0860

November 15, 2019 2:26 PM

The Saskatoon Police Major Crimes Section is continuing to investigate the death of an infant found last Friday. An autopsy was completed on November 12th, however further testing is required that may take several months to complete. Police are able to confirm that the infant was a recently-born female. The autopsy was not able to conclusively determine a date of birth. As part of the investigation, Police are continuing to seek video surveillance and are requesting anyone who may have video from between 25th Street and Queen Street and 3rd and 6th Avenues to please submit it to Police. They are specifically looking for video between November 4th and 8th. Investigators are also releasing a stock photo of the very distinct bag in which the baby was located in hopes someone may recognize it. Police continue to appeal to the public about the urgent need to locate the mother. Anyone with information on this file or the whereabouts of the mother is asked to contact Saskatoon Police at 306-975-8300 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

UPDATE: Release 2019-0841

November 12, 2019 11:03 AM

Investigators from the Major Crime and Forensic Identification Sections are continuing to investigate the sudden death of an infant. At approximately 8:50 a.m., November 8, 2019, Police were called to a report of an unknown problem in the 400 block of 5th Avenue North. Upon arrival, officers located the body of a deceased infant in an alley, inside of a recycling bin. An autopsy is scheduled to be conducted this afternoon, November 12, 2019. Investigators are continuing to gather evidence and conduct interviews in an effort to identify and locate the mother of the infant. SPS is appealing to anyone with information to contact the Saskatoon Police Service at 306-975-8300 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477. The Service’s priority is to assist in providing the supports needed to the woman involved. Further updates will be provided as the investigation continues.

UPDATE: Release 2019-0834

November 8, 2019 12:52 PM

Members of the Saskatoon Police Service Major Crime and Forensic Identification Sections are investigating a sudden death. At approximately 8:50 a.m., November 8, 2019, Police were called to a report of an unknown problem in the 400 block of 5th Avenue North. Upon arrival officers, located the body of a deceased infant in an alley, inside a recycling bin. At this time the circumstances leading up to the infant’s death are under investigation. There is evidence of a recent birth, however it is believed the birth occurred at another location. Saskatoon Police are working with the Saskatchewan Coroner’s Service to determine the infant’s cause of death. An autopsy is scheduled for November 12, 2019. There is an urgent need to locate the mother of this child. She is believed to have given birth recently and may be in a vulnerable physical and emotional state. The Saskatoon Police Service is appealing to anyone with information to contact the Saskatoon Police Service at 306-975-8300 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477. The Service’s priority is to assist in providing the supports needed to the woman involved.

Saskatoon Police are at the scene of a sudden death.

At approximately 8:50 a.m., November 8, 2019 Police were called to the 400 block of 5th Avenue North for a report of an unknown problem. Officers with the Major Crime and Forensic Identification Section are in the early stages of their investigation.

Further information will be released when it becomes available.

(Occurrence Number: 19-119539)