Arrest Made in Connection with Infant Murder from 1982

The woman has been questioned by detectives (Picture: Google Maps)

Police in Northamptonshire have apprehended a woman on suspicion of being involved in the tragic death of an infant over forty years ago.

A 57-year-old individual was detained in Northampton earlier this week under suspicion of committing murder before facing interrogation by investigators.

This arrest is linked to the discovery of a newborn girl’s body in the town back in May 1982.

The infant was found strangled and wrapped in fabric near Northampton railway station by a teenager taking a shortcut home.

Although the baby girl was laid to rest in Towcester Road Cemetery in November 1982, a headstone was only added in 2019 following a campaign by a former local vicar as reported by the Northampton Chronicle & Echo.

Despite a significant investigation into the infant’s demise, no suspects were brought to trial, and the case was closed in 1993.

An inquiry into the baby’s death revealed that she had been gagged and had a belt tightly wrapped around her neck as reported by the Birmingham Evening Mail in 1982.

In 2023, fresh evidence emerged after a cold case review by Northamptonshire Police, leading to the recent arrest.

The suspect was granted bail on Thursday afternoon pending further investigations.

Detective Chief Inspector Johnny Campbell, from the Major Crime Team of the East Midlands Special Operations Unit (EMSOU), commented: ‘This has been an intricate investigation into events that transpired more than four decades ago, and substantial effort has been dedicated to reaching this juncture.’

He further added, ‘Numerous officers from both Northamptonshire Police and our regional colleagues have been actively engaged in the operation over the past 48 hours or more, and their dedication is appreciated.’

‘As this investigation remains active and in progress, Northamptonshire Police will refrain from making any additional statements at this time,’ concluded Campbell.

Contact us via email at webnews@metro.co.uk.

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