Hong Kong police find no birth records for 2 dead babies found in glass jars at flat
- Police say preliminary autopsies were unable to determine time or cause of death
- ‘This case is a tragedy and we appeal to the public, especially pregnant women and expectant parents, to seek professional medical advice and take proper care of their babies,’ force adds
Two Hong Kong babies whose bodies were discovered inside glass jars did not have birth records and preliminary autopsies were unable to determine the time and cause of their deaths, police said on Sunday.
The bodies were found inside separate liquid-filled glass bottles measuring 15cm (six inches) in diameter and 30cm in height in a flat in Mei Hang Building on Kai Man Path in Tuen Mun.
Police said a couple believed to be the parents, a 24-year-old man and a 22-year-old woman, were in custody and expected to appear in court on Monday to face charges of prevention of lawful burial.
Chief Inspector Au Yeung Tak of the New Territories North unit said further tests were needed to determine the cause and time of death of the baby boys.
“[Forensic pathologists] were unable to tell when the babies had died, or whether they had died before or after their births,” he said, adding that the preliminary autopsies could only estimate ages of 24 to 30 weeks.
Police said the liquid found inside the bottles would also be tested.
The chief inspector said officers could not find birth records for the two babies at local hospitals. He added pathologists had also collected DNA from the bodies to determine their relationship with the suspects.
“This case is a tragedy and we appeal to the public, especially pregnant women and expectant parents, to seek professional medical advice and take proper care of their babies,” Au Yeung said.
“The parents will be held criminally responsible if their babies died due to improper care.”
A source earlier told the Post that the tragedy was discovered Friday morning after a cleaner was sent to the flat after the landlord asked the two tenants to move out because they were six months behind with their rent.
The insider said the tenants had rented the flat for HK$8,500 (US$1,000) per month on a two-year contract since December 2022.
The two arrested, who will appear at Fanling Court, are believed to be the former tenants of the flat.
