Woman charged with murder over baby found dead in woodland 26 years ago
The baby boy, named 'Callum' by police was found in March 1998 in the Callands area of the town.
A woman has been charged with murder over the death of a baby found in woodland in Warrington nearly three decades ago.
The baby boy, named ‘Callum’ by police was found on March 14, 1998, in the Callands area of the town.
A dog walker discovered the baby, a few hours old, wrapped in a plastic bag.
Last July Cheshire police arrested a man and woman from Liverpool in connection with the death.
Earlier today, police re-arrested Joanne Sharkey, 54 and from West Derby, and she has now been charged with murder.
She’s been remanded in custody and is set to appear at Warrington magistrates court tomorrow.
Detective Inspector Hannah Friend said: ‘I understand that this is an extremely emotional case which has attracted a lot of attention over the past 26 years, however I would ask people not to speculate.
‘Criminal proceedings are now active against Joanne Sharkey, and she has the right to a fair trial.
‘It is extremely important that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings.’
The man who was arrested as part of the investigation has since been released without charge. Officers are not looking for anyone else in relation to the death.
Despite an extensive murder investigation police have never been able to identify him or his parents – and the baby was named Callum after the suburb, Callands, where his body was found, not far from Gulliver’s World Theme Park.
Thousands of people were interviewed amid the original police investigation. A woman described as ‘upset and emotional’ called the police hotline and claimed to be Callum’s mum, but she was never traced.
A distressed girl in a beige coat spotted in the area at the time was also never found.
A burial and funeral service was arranged by local people and he was buried in Warrington Cemetery a few months after he was found.
The headstone which was paid for with money raised by local residents was inscribed: ‘Baby Callum, precious child of God. Laid to rest July 27, 1998. With love, from the people of Warrington.’
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