Brantford police charge woman, 39, in connection with 2005 death of newborn 'Baby Parker'

The Expositor, Brantford, Ontario, by Michelle Ruby, Vincent Ball, Feb 26, 2026

Brantford Police have arrested a woman in connection with the case of Baby Parker, a full-term newborn baby that was found dead near the walking trails by Dufferin Avenue and Parkside Drive in Brantford.

Police have arrested and charged a 39-year-old woman in connection with the death of a newborn, who became known as Baby Parker, more than 20 years ago.

The accused, who lived in Brantford at the time of the incident, has been charged with indignity to a body and concealing the body of a child.

It has been more than two decades since a full-term newborn boy was found wrapped in a towel near an abandoned train track in Brantford. On July 28, 2005, Brantford police responded to the area of the walking trails near Dufferin Avenue and Parkside Drive after a citizen discovered the newborn’s body.

The death of the infant became the subject of an extensive and ongoing police investigation, said a news release issued by police on Thursday. As the identity of the child was unknown, officers named him Baby Parker, a reference to the area where he was found. Until now, neither the child’s mother or father had been identified.

“With the assistance of the Toronto Police Service, and through the utilization of new DNA technologies and advanced investigative techniques, detectives were able to further the investigation and identify the person believed to be the mother of Baby Parker,” said the release.

“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. Police are not seeking additional suspects, and there is no ongoing risk to public safety.” Police say they 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,” said the release.

Throughout the course of the 20-year investigation, the Brantford Police Service worked closely with partner agencies. The Ontario Provincial Police previously assisted with statement analysis through its Behavioral Sciences Section and developed a potential profile of the child’s mother.

Information released to the public at that time indicated that it was likely the mother may have been between 13 and 17 years of age, had a connection to the Holmedale neighbourhood, and may have concealed the pregnancy from those close to her.

Brantford Police released a sample of the note they received from someone who claimed to be the mother of Baby Parker. Shortly after the discovery in 2005, police released parts of a letter they received believed to have been written by the mother of the child. The author of the letter said she had given birth while partying in the Lansdowne area. It said a friend told her the baby was dead and the body was hidden among some bushes.

But an autopsy later showed the baby was alive at birth and had trauma to his ribs and skull. Samples of the handwriting were shared with the public in the hope that someone would recognize and identify the writer. In the letter, the author indicated they would be in contact with police in the coming days, but no one came forward.

While a number of tips were received following the release of the handwriting samples, none led to an arrest. Police say they have no evidence to confirm the identity of the letter’s author. “From the outset, the Brantford Police Service remained steadfast in its commitment to identifying the child’s mother and/or father,” said the release. “Over the years, investigators renewed public appeals for information in the hope that members of the community could assist in advancing the case.”

“This investigation has had a profound impact not only on the community, but also on the officers involved. The compassionate decision by an officer to provide a name for this previously unidentified child reflects the deeply personal and emotional nature of the case for those who worked tirelessly to seek answers.”

In 2022, people placed items at Baby Parker’s grave marker in Mount Hope Cemetery — on July 28, the day he was found. On Aug. 17, 2025, the community marked the 20-year anniversary of Baby Parker’s memorial service and burial at Mount Hope Cemetery, both of which were donated by Beckett-Glaves Family Funeral Centre.

In the years following the discovery, members of the public also came together to honour Baby Parker’s memory through Parker’s Project with a focus on supporting vulnerable parents and prevention of child abandonment and isolation.

Shalyn Wilson, who operates the project, and her children, Harmony and Blake, attended Baby Parker’s resting place on what would have been his 20th birthday last July. “It’s really about supporting young moms better – moms of all ages — making sure we are hitting the needs,” said Wilson of Parker’s Project. “We have some great resources in the community, but we don’t have enough. There are never enough resources.”

Brantford Police Insp. Keith Tollar said there are many people to thank who have been involved in the case over the years. “On behalf of the Investigative Support Branch, I extend my sincere appreciation to all members, both past and present, sworn and civilian, whose unwavering dedication and professionalism were essential in advancing the Baby Parker investigation. Their commitment was pivotal in bringing resolution to the case, which has profoundly impacted our community and our police service. Their collective determination to seek closure for Baby Parker has led us to this important milestone.”

To protect the integrity of the investigation, police say they won’t be providing any further comment about “investigative techniques or evidentiary details” in the matter. Police say they recognize the case “may be distressing for some members of the community, particularly those who have experienced pregnancy loss, trauma, or other personal challenges.” Those in need of confidential support are encouraged to connect with their healthcare provider, local public health unit, crisis line or community-based counselling services.