WINNIPEG, Manitoba (AP) — The remains of as many as four dead infants were found in a storage locker in Winnipeg, Canadian police said Tuesday, though it was not yet clear if the deaths were homicides.
Concerned employees at a storage locker company called police Monday and, once inside, police found what appeared to be the remains of up to four infants, Winnipeg Const. Eric Hofley said. He said the remains were so decomposed, it’s not clear if police are dealing with three or four bodies.
It’s not clear how the infants died, how old they were or even if they were full term, he said. But the victims appeared to be “very, very young” and could be newborns, Hofley said. Autopsies were being conducted.
Police are investigating, but the remains don’t appear to be linked to any infants that have been reported missing, Hofley said.
The U-Haul storage locker facility, which was cordoned off by police tape, was cleared Tuesday. Employees who were on the site declined to comment to reporters and directed inquiries to police.
Razmin Mansoub, president of U-Haul Company of Central Canada, said the remains were found by employees.
“U-Haul team members made a disturbing discovery when taking inventory of a delinquent storage locker on Monday,” Mansoub said in an emailed statement. “They immediately contacted law enforcement who believed the locker contained human remains.
“U-Haul is deeply shocked and saddened by this discovery. Out of respect for the ongoing investigation, U-Haul cannot comment with any further details. We will continue to fully co-operate with authorities.”
Police are remaining tight-lipped for now because they don’t want to do anything to jeopardize an investigation that is not yet 24 hours old, Hofley said.
Even if the deaths were not a result of foul play, charges could still be filed, Hofley said.
“Obviously, you’re not allowed to store, to conceal human remains. That, in itself, would be a charge,” he said.
The full extent of charges won’t be known until autopsies are finished, he said. An update on the investigation was expected Wednesday.
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