Additional Information - Sudden Death Investigation - 400 Block 5th Avenue North

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.


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.

(Occurrence Number: 19-119539)
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