NEED TO KNOW
A woman discovered an infant’s remains in a freezer while cleaning out her late mother’s home in Allariz, Spain
Authorities believe the baby may have been born more than 20 years ago and are investigating the baby’s death
An autopsy has been conducted, and a judge has ordered the investigation to remain confidential
A woman discovered the remains of an infant in a freezer while cleaning out her late mother’s home.
The discovery was made in the small town of Allariz, Spain, on Monday, Nov. 2, according to Spain’s Civil Guard, per the country’s national news agency, EFE, as well as local outlets La Región and La Voz de Galicia.
The woman found the remains in a freezer located in a ground-floor storage area of the building, according to La Región.
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Preliminary findings suggest that the infant was approximately 32 to 34 weeks at its time of death, police said, per La Región.
Authorities also believe the baby may have been born more than 20 years ago, per the outlet.
The remains were sent to the Institute of Legal Medicine of Galicia for a full autopsy to determine the cause of death. Authorities also hope to determine whether the baby was born alive, died due to natural causes and whether negligence may have played a role in the death.
Guardia Civil vehicle in SpainCredit: Getty
Authorities are also attempting to identify the infant’s biological parents through DNA testing and interviews with family members, per La Región.
The Institute of Legal Medicine and Spain’s Civil Guard did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s requests for comment.
A judge has ordered the investigation to remain confidential, restricting the information that authorities can publicly disclose, according to EFE, La Región and La Voz de Galicia.
The infant was laid to rest in a municipal cemetery on Thursday, Nov. 5, following the completion of the autopsy, according to La Voz de Galicia.
Neighbors and local residents have expressed shock over the discovery, which came amid the town’s annual fall festival.
“It’s like the script of a horror movie; it’s unbelievable that something like this could happen,” one resident told La Voz de Galicia.
“We are all shocked and surprised,” added the owner of a local café.
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