Thirty years after the tragic discovery of a newborn baby’s body in Singleton Lake, Ashford, Kent Police have launched a renewed appeal for information, hoping advancements in forensic science will finally bring justice for ‘Baby April’.
The infant, named by investigators after the month she was found, was discovered on April 3rd, 1995. A post-mortem examination revealed she had died of asphyxiation, indicating she had been deliberately prevented from breathing. Police believe she was born between March 25th and April 3rd, 1995, and weighed approximately 7lbs. Her body was found wrapped in a Kleenex tissue bag, which was then placed inside a Motaworld carrier bag.
Despite an extensive murder investigation at the time, detectives were unable to identify the baby’s parents or any relatives. In a bid to further the investigation, Baby April’s body was exhumed in May 2011 from Bybrook Cemetery to obtain a full DNA profile. However, this yielded no significant breakthroughs, and the case remained unsolved.
Now, on the 30th anniversary of the grim discovery, Kent Police are revisiting the case, armed with cutting-edge DNA profiling and forensic techniques.
Detective Inspector Lee Neiles, of the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate, made a heartfelt plea for information.
“This is a truly horrific case,” he stated. “A newborn baby girl was killed and discarded in a lake. April would be 30 years old now, and we can only imagine what she might have contributed to society. But someone ended her life in the most unimaginable way, denying her the chance to grow up.”
“I am certain that someone out there holds vital information about this case,” Inspector Neiles continued. “After three decades, it is time to do the right thing and come forward, so we can finally deliver justice for April.”
He emphasized the significance of recent advancements in forensic science, particularly familial DNA analysis, which offers a greater chance of identifying the baby’s parents.
“We urge April’s mother to come forward now, rather than us finding you,” he added.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Kent Police on 01622 690600, or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Anyone with information should call Kent Police on 01622 652006, contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or complete their online form. Information can also be submitted via our online portal: https://mipp.police.uk/operation/4601020100X37-PO1