Missing newborn baby’s remains found in Halifax, 2 facing charges

Halifax police officers are pictured outside their vehicle close to where police said a newborn's remains were found in a wooded area off Old Coach Road. (Jesse Thomas/CTV Atlantic)

The remains of a missing newborn baby have been found in Halifax after a two-day search, and two people are facing charges.

Halifax Regional Police said the baby’s remains were located Sunday around 3:20 p.m. in a wooded area off Old Coach Road.

Police were initially alerted Friday around 9:40 p.m. after a woman, who appeared to have just given birth, ended up in hospital with life-threatening injuries. As of Sunday afternoon, the 23-year-old woman remains in hospital in critical condition.

Police said it’s believed the woman experienced a medical emergency and do not believe her condition is the result of violence.

On Saturday, both police and search and rescue crews combed the area surrounding 214 Willett Street in Halifax. Police forensics could be seen searching through dumpsters outside the apartment complex Saturday evening.

By Sunday, police said new information redirected the search to Prospect Road and the surrounding area, which is where the infant’s remains were located.

“Moments like this are among the most difficult for first responders. We feel the weight of this loss and are grieving with the community while working tirelessly to find answers,” said Chief Don MacLean in a news release Sunday.

The Nova Scotia Medical Examiner will conduct an autopsy to determine the cause and manner of death.

On Saturday, police said four people were taken into custody for questioning. Two have since been released and two are facing charges.

Sukhpreet Singh, 23, who police said is a relative of the woman, and his wife Ramandeep Kaur, 26, are scheduled to appear in court Monday to face charges of concealing the body of a child, obstruction, and indignity to a dead body.

Police said the investigation is ongoing, and offered condolences to the infant’s loved ones.

“My sincere thanks go out to the officers and ground search and rescue teams for their dedication throughout this challenging search. I urge people to take care of themselves and reach out for support if they need it,” said MacLean.

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