Couple charged for concealing human remains after baby boy found dead at Tollgate Motel in Adelaide, SA
Charges have been laid against a couple after their baby boy was found dead inside a motel room on Saturday.
A man and woman have been charged with concealing human remains and criminal neglect of a child after an infant was found dead inside Tollgate Hotel in Adelaide on Saturday.
In a statement on Monday, police said the baby boy, aged around six to seven months old, had been “deceased for a period of time” when he was found.
A 40-year-old man and 42-year-old woman who were living at the motel were arrested on Saturday and appeared before the Adelaide Magistrates Court on Monday.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.“Initial investigations have revealed the man and woman had been staying at the motel since their arrival in South Australia at the beginning of this year,” SA police said in a statement.
“They have not had contact with South Australian authorities since this time.”
Neighbours report seeing emergency services at the property from 9am on Saturday, after attending the motel for a welfare check.
Investigators spent more than five hours at the property, allegedly focusing their attention on one room in particular.
Police say the Major Crime Investigation Branch has now taken over the investigation.
South Australia’s Police Minister Michael Brown broke the news of the arrests to the media before police confirmation on Monday.
“I’ve been advised that charges have been laid, but at this time I don’t have any other information I can give you unfortunately,” he said.
Police Commissioner Grant Stevens confirmed on Tuesday morning that a post-mortem had already been performed on the baby.
“This is a very sensitive, ongoing investigation,” Commissioner Stevens said.
“Obviously, very upsetting for everybody connected to the investigation, a very difficult job.”
South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas told reporters on Monday the parents of the child were unknown to child protection services.
“I am in a position to be able to advise that this family and this child was not known to South Australian Department of Child Protection, but there are still active inquiries underway across other agencies,” he said.
A report will be prepared for the coroner while the couple remain in custody until a hearing on May 3, 2027.
Investigations are ongoing and police urge anyone who stayed at the Tollgate Hotel or has information about the occupants of room four to come forward.
Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000
If you or someone you know is experiencing family violence, phone 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) or the Crisis Care Helpline on 1800 199 008.
