WORCESTER, Mass. (WHDH/AP) – Authorities in Massachusetts say two people are charged with concealing the death of a newborn whose remains were discovered in a garbage bag in the woods behind a home.
Police say officers found the bag containing the body on Monday in Worcester after talking to a man who reported an unusual odor.
Police say officers saw 31-year-old Edwin Santiago and 36-year-old Jennifer Rheume walking on the railroad tracks behind Santiago’s residence.
The two were arrested and charged with walking on railroad tracks. Police say that after further investigation, the two were also charged with removal of a human body and concealment of the death of a child.
“They spoke to the detectives at the police station and as a result of the investigation, they were both charged in connection with the crime,” Sgt. Sean Murtha said.
The couple appeared in court Tuesday. Rheume’s bail was set at $1,000. Santiago’s bail was revoked due to another pending case.
Prosecutors say the couple has no financial resources and that they had been living in a basement. They say the remains were found in a wooded area behind a home across the street from where Santiago’s mother lives.
Police say it’s unknown whether the baby was alive at the time of delivery.
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