England investigation concludes Auckland baby was murdered

A forensic investigation in England has concluded that the remains of a newborn, known as the ‘Auckland baby’, were the victim of a murder. The skeletal remains were discovered on July 29, 2024, during renovations of a late 19th-century house in Bishop Auckland. The homeowner, Peter Moody, found the remains while installing a new floor on the second level.

The infant was found wrapped in newspapers dating back to 1910. Forensic analysis by Dr. Mikole Zupello and pathologist Dr. Louise Malkahi revealed that the skeleton was nearly complete and partially mummified. While radiocarbon dating could only narrow the time of death to between the 17th century and 1955, the newspapers provided a more specific context.

Investigators determined that the child was strangled with a cord wrapped three times around the neck. Lead investigator Crispin Oliver described the case as unusual from both a legal and evidentiary standpoint, calling it a ‘tragic and unique story’ involving a helpless child from over a century ago.