The body of a baby was discovered in a basement freezer in a house in Allariz, Galicia, with authorities suspecting the death may have occurred around 20 years ago.
The grim find was made by a relative of the woman who had owned the freezer, who is now deceased. According to EuroNews, the apartment belonged to her recently deceased mother. The relative came across the remains after opening the appliance, which was located in the basement of the home, specifically in the storage room in the garage area.
Investigation launched by Civil Guard
The Civil Guard have launched a probe following the discovery, which took place on Monday. Authorities from the nearby city of Ourense are investigating, as reported by La Voz de Galicia. The body was transferred the same day so that forensic experts could establish the cause of death.
Local reports indicate that the remains are those of a foetus of just over 32 weeks gestation, which is also thought to have breathed. Experts are reportedly working to determine whether the child's death occurred during childbirth or was a miscarriage.
Efforts to establish timeline and link
Pathologists are also seeking to determine when the baby died, with the date of death possibly as long ago as two decades. Police are said to be taking statements from family members and neighbours as part of the ongoing investigation.
Investigators are also working to establish a link between the woman who owned the freezer and the deceased child. DNA samples taken from close relatives could determine the genetic trace and clarify this point, as well as whether there is a biological link with the family.
The investigation, ordered by the Ourense courts, is ongoing.
