BPS continue to investigate case of Baby Parker; with renewed appeal to community for information
05-26062
The Brantford Police Service remain dedicated to the investigation of Baby Parker and the search to identify the child’s mother and/or father, with a renewed appeal to members of the community for information.
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 body of a full-term, newborn baby boy.
The death of the baby has since been the subject of an ongoing police investigation. To this date, neither the mother nor the father has been identified. As the identity of the baby is unknown, he was named Baby Parker by officers.
August 17, 2023, will mark the 18-year anniversary of the memorial service and date in which Baby Parker was laid to rest.
The investigation led to the largest canvass completed by Brantford police. Hundreds of DNA samples were collected from members of the public living in the neighbourhood where Baby Parker was found. The samples were sent to the Center of Forensic Sciences; however, none were found to have a biological link to Baby Parker.
Several ‘Persons of Interest’ have been identified over the years; however, investigators have since eliminated those individuals as being the mother or father.
Excerpts of a letter collected during the initial phases of the investigation were previously released, with the hopes that someone would recognize the handwriting. The letter, purportedly written by the mother of Baby Parker, indicated that she would be in contact with police in the coming days. No such person ever came forward.
The Ontario Provincial Police previously assisted with statement analysis through their Behavioural Sciences Section and generated a profile of the mother. Information previously released to the public indicated that in 2005, the mother may have been between 13-17 years old, with a connection to the Holmedale neighbourhood. The pregnancy was possibly kept secret by the mother from those close to her.
Although 18 years have passed, officers remain committed to finding Baby Parker’s mother, father, or anyone else who may have information to assist in providing closure on the case. Police continue to believe that there are members of the public who have information that will be beneficial to the case.
Detectives remain hopeful that information from the community, combined with the utilization of new investigative technology, may help build a familial lineage to move the case forward.
Anyone with any information related to the case of Baby Parker is asked to contact Detective Constable Chris Fleming at 519-756-7050 ext 2851.
Additionally, information can also be provided anonymously to Brant - Brantford Crime Stoppers by calling 519-750-8477 or 1-800-222-8477 or by submitting a web tip online at: https://www.crimestoppersbb.com/submit-a-tip/
Brantford police warn residents about new grandparent text scam
The Brantford Police Service would like to advise older adult residents after becoming aware of a new version of what is referred to as the "Grandparent Scam” targeting older citizens via text messaging.
A text message is sent to the victim, from a scammer who is posing as the victim’s son or daughter. The text often starts with "Hi, Mom,” and continues to tell the victim that their phone has been damaged, they cannot access their banking information and need money urgently. They then ask for an e-transfer of funds. If questioned about the email address of phone number being used, the fraudster will often tell the victim that they owe money to a loan shark or are using a borrowed phone.
Additionally, in other versions of the "Grandparent Scam,” reports have been received where suspects have falsely identified themselves as a Brantford Police Officer and/or an R.C.M.P officer. If a member of the public ever has a concern regarding the identity of an officer, their identity can be confirmed by contacting BPS at 519-756-7050 with the name and badge number of the individual in question.
Grandparent or Emergency Scam – What is it?
This type of fraud occurs when the fraudster contacts the victim, claiming a family member is in crisis and needs money. Although the fraudster can claim to be any family member (e.g., aunt, uncle, child) or friend, grandparents may be particularly vulnerable.
A call or a text is made from someone claiming the victim's child, grandchild or family member is in trouble. They have even been reported to impersonate the child, grandchild or family member. Often, they say that they have been arrested or involved in a collision and need money. Usually, the victim is instructed to send money immediately.
Sometimes a second call will be made from someone pretending to be a lawyer or police officer. Scammers will advise the victim that a payment for bail or a fine is required to have their loved one released. If the victim agrees to pay the requested amount, suspects will arrange to pick up the funds in person with a "courier” or will ask the victim to send cash in the mail. The victims are often told they cannot talk about the investigation with anyone and advised that they will go to jail if they talk about it.
The Brantford Police Service wish to remind residents of the importance of fraud education and protecting oneself from becoming a victim. We also encourage spreading the word to those, such as the elderly, who may be particularly vulnerable to these fraudsters and may be targets of these high-pressure scams.
TIPS TO PROTECT YOURSELF:
- Take time to think. The fraudster will make it sound urgent and will pressure you.
- Contact the family member in question. Emotions may be running high but take the time to check.
- Ask questions only family members would know.
- Call someone you trust or police for an opinion about the call.
- If you suspect it is a scam, it may be - just hang up. Conduct your own research to determine validity.
- Do not send any money.
If you believe that you have been a victim of fraud and reside in the City of Brantford, contact the Brantford Police Service at 519-756-7050 and your financial institution immediately. You can also report online at: https://www.brantfordpolice.ca/online-reporting
If you have not experienced a financial loss but have received a fraudulent call, such as the Grandparent scam, please report the incident by calling the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501 or http://www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraud.ca/index-eng.htm
