The mother of a baby whose remains were found in a wooded area in Halifax last weekend has died.
Halifax Regional Police learned last Friday that a 23-year-old woman who appeared to have just given birth was in hospital in critical condition.
The baby was not with her, which prompted an extensive search for the newborn. The infant’s remains were eventually found in a wooded area off Old Coach Road in Goodwood, N.S., Sunday afternoon.
Police said Thursday afternoon the woman died in hospital on Wednesday.
Halifax Regional Police Const. Martin Cromwell told reporters police were not able to speak with the mother before she died.
“It’s an already complex investigation and, from an investigative perspective, it would definitely make it even that more challenging and complex,” said Cromwell.
The Nova Scotia Medical Examiner Service will determine the cause and manner of her death.
The Nova Scotia Medical Examiner Service continues to investigate the cause and manner of the infant’s death as well.
Crown attorney Paul Carver said Thursday that the “very preliminary findings” for the baby’s autopsy are in, but he couldn’t comment on them. Police also wouldn’t comment on the autopsy.
“Due to the complexity of this incident, it may take an extended period of time to determine the results for both the infant and the mother,” said Halifax police.
“Police extend condolences to the woman and infant’s loved ones and to all those grieving in the community.”
Couple charged in case remains in custody
Two people charged in the case will remain in custody for another three-and-a-half weeks.
Sukhpreet Singh, 23, and his wife, Ramandeep Kaur, 26, have each been charged with the following offences:
- concealing the body of a child;
- indignity to a dead body;
- obstruction of a peace officer; and
- obstruction of justice.
According to court documents, Singh and Kaur are accused of lying to police, which led to the obstruction charges.
The documents state the concealing and indignity charges are related to the fact that police found the infant’s remains in a wooded area.
The couple was due in court for a bail hearing Thursday morning, but they chose to forgo the bail hearing.
Singh appeared in court via video while Kaur did not appear. A lawyer spoke to the court on their behalf.
They both consented to being remanded until June 22, when they are due back in court for election and plea.
The couple has been in custody since their arrest Sunday.
During the couple’s first court appearance Monday, Carver said Singh and Kaur could face “additional very serious charges” in the case.
Police have said Singh is related to the mother, but haven’t said how.
Infant’s remains found after two-day search
The charges come after Halifax Regional Police received a report around 9:40 p.m. Friday that a woman who appeared to have just given birth was in hospital with life-threatening injuries.
Cromwell told reporters Thursday that a family member called 911 and paramedics took the woman to hospital.
Police have said they believe the woman experienced a medical emergency and they don’t believe her condition was the result of violence.
Police and search crews launched an extensive search for the woman’s newborn baby, combing the area surrounding 214 Willett St. in Halifax. Police forensics could be seen searching through dumpsters outside the apartment complex Saturday evening.
On Sunday, police said new information led them to search Prospect Road and the surrounding area. They found the infant’s remains in a wooded area off Old Coach Road around 3:20 p.m. Sunday.
Four people were taken into custody for questioning. Two were released without charges.
With files from CTV News Atlantic’s Callum Smith and Stephanie Tsicos
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