Katie 
Officers were called to a vacant residence in Hamilton, Ontario just after midnight on Wednesday, February 24 for a report of "suspicious circumstances."
Shortly after their arrival, they were notified that there were reports of a baby buried in the basement.
"This is a tragic scenario that's gone on here," Hamilton Police Staff Sgt. Jim Callender during a press conference Thursday afternoon. "One that no police officer or individual wants to deal with, but it's one that we are dealing with today."
34-year-old Nathan O'Brien and 24-year-old Winnie Ensor were detained by police and initially charged with unlawful presence in a dwelling. Callender stated "some of the information they provided has been of assistance to us."
Forensic anthropologists called to investigate the scene reported Thursday evening that the body of an infant had been located buried in a section of the basement that was exposed dirt.
The investigation remains ongoing, but officers have reason to believe that O'Brien and Ensor are the infant's parents and so have charged them with criminal negligence causing death and interfering with a dead body.
A post mortem is being conducted on the infant to determine cause and manner of death. The results are expected to take several days.
When asked about a possible motive during the press conference, Callender stated that there was sensitivity to some of the circumstances of the investigation "so I'm not going to discuss that."
"We have been working closely with the Ontario Forensic Pathology Service, and the coroner has also been engaged. This will continue on for the next couple of days."
The Hamilton Police are asking that anyone with information contact Detective Ebert at (905) 546-4167. Anyone wishing to remain anonymous can contact Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477.
Contributor
