RCMP hoping to identify dead infant found near Saskatchewan Landing in 1970

By Kash Knight

A historical case has left the Saskatchewan RCMP stumped for decades.

In the afternoon of April 23, 1970, a deceased male baby was found in an overnight bag on the southeast riverbank near the Saskatchewan Landing, just north of Swift Current.

The brown plaid bag was weighed down by rocks and was left on the ice between January and April of that year. According to police, the infant was fully clothed and wrapped in blankets; it’s unknown how he died.

When a passerby found the child’s body, he was estimated to be no more than a month old.

The province’s Historical Case Unit believes the person(s) who know what happened are reaching their late 60s or even 80s.

Cpl. Tanya Gordon from the unit said the time that has passed creates an urgency for officers to speak with individuals who have information.

“It might be our last opportunity to find answers,” she said.

After speaking with media outlets last year, the RCMP received an anonymous letter that provided a very detailed account of observations related to the case.

Officers are continuing to spread the word and ask the public for help in hopes of more individuals coming forward.

Folks are asked to take note of the bag that the unidentified baby was found in; maybe it’s featured in a family photo album or belongs to an old friend.

There were two vehicles seen around the area in April of 1970 that officers also hope to find the occupants of, though it’s unknown if the individuals were involved or would have witnessed anything related to the case.

The first is a green-blue or similarly coloured car, possibly a Buick from the late 1960s to 1970. A copper vehicle was spotted as well, accessorized with a chrome bumper and footrails, and described to officers as a showstopper.

“I really ask that the public become aware of this investigation and that we’re still trying to find the answers,” Gordon said . “Even if you feel that it’s small or irrelevant, it might be that last missing piece of information that we’re looking for.

“Any information that we can get to identify the baby and put a name to that grave and determine the circumstances surrounding his death would be greatly appreciated.”

Anyone who has information is urged to contact their local RCMP detachment. While a sit-down conversation is preferred, officers are also reminding folks who wish to remain anonymous that they can reach out through Crime Stoppers.