2 appear in court after dead newborn found in trash bag

WORCESTER, Mass. — Two people accused in connection with the death of a newborn found in a trash bag outside a Worcester home appeared in court Tuesday.

Worcester police were called to 375 Lake Ave. before 9 a.m. to investigate a strange odor that was coming from a trash bag left outside. But when officers arrived at the scene, they said the bag was moved and placed across the street at 384 Lake Ave.

MORE: Remains of infant found in trash bag in Worcester, 2 people charged

“Officers went behind the property and back behind the property line right near the railroad tracks they discovered a bag with a very strong smell coming from it,” Worcester police Sgt. Sean Murtha said. “They opened the garbage bag and found the remains of a newborn baby.”

Jennifer Rheaume, 36, and Edwin Santiago, 31, were arrested shortly after when police found them walking along railroad tracks behind the home where the baby was found. It’s illegal to walk on the tracks.

In court, the district attorney argued that both Rheaume and Santiago have extensive arrest record and wanted them held on $50,000 bail.

Rheaume's attorney said that she has no money and the case is "highly defensible."

Rheaume's attorney also argued that the remains found may not be a dead baby, but fetal remains and more testing needed to be done. The attorney also said there was no evidence she participated in murder or manslaughter, but did acknowledge her past drug and prostitution arrests.

The judge ordered Santiago held on $50,000 bail and Rheaume on $1,000 cash and $10,000 surety.

Rheaume and Santiago were charged with removal of a human body and concealment of the death of a child.

Cox Media Group