Automotive Fleet
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Baby's Body Found in Car at ADESA Toronto

An autopsy has ruled out murder in the death of a baby boy whose decomposing remains were discovered in the back of a SUV on Aug. 23, according to the Brampton Guardian newspaper.

by Staff
August 26, 2004
3 min to read


An autopsy has ruled out murder in the death of a baby boy whose decomposing remains were discovered in the back of a SUV on Aug. 23, according to the Brampton Guardian newspaper. Peel Regional Police located the mother of the newborn hours after the child's body was discovered in the cargo area of a repossessed sport/utility vehicle parked in Brampton. However, yesterday afternoon, homicide investigators were refusing to release details about the mother's identity, circumstances surrounding the infant's death, or either's relationship to the vehicle. "The post mortem examination did not reveal any traumatic injury to the victim," according to a Peel Regional Police news release. "The examination results are consistent with the investigative information gathered by police, leading investigators to form the opinion that the infant died as a result of pregnancy or birth complications." By the time the tiny remains were uncovered, the body may have been inside the vehicle parked in the summer heat for more than a week. The discovery had homicide detectives and the coroner's office working to determine whether the newborn's death was a matter of foul play or natural causes before the body was discarded inside the car. The unidentified child's body was found in the back of a dark late-model SUV parked among other vehicles at ADESA Toronto. The massive motor vehicle auction house occupies about 100 acres on Auction Lane near Hwy. 7 and Goreway Drive. The site employs about 400 full-time and part-times workers. Hundreds of repossessed and resale vehicles are stored at the facility while being prepared for auction to automotive dealers. Company officials said two employees made the grim discovery while carrying out a routine pre-auction inspection. "When they opened it, there was an odor coming from this vehicle," said Sheryl Watson, the company's lawyer. One of the employees who found the baby's corpse is still too traumatized to return to work, Watson said. The employees have been offered counseling, she noted. The vehicle had been on the premises for an estimated nine days before the two men unlocked its doors. Typically, cars may be inspected earlier. However, the SUV was repossessed by bailiffs and towed to the site Aug. 14 without a set of keys, said Watson. Any inspection of the vehicle had to wait until new keys were made, she explained. Police were called at about 10:30 a.m. Homicide detectives and forensics officers were assigned and the parking area around the vehicle was sealed off. A coroner did not arrive to remove the remains until about 3 p.m. At the same time, a tarp was placed over the vehicle before it was hoisted onto a flatbed tow truck and removed from the scene to undergo further forensic tests. Investigators continued questioning employees and began trying to track the vehicle's history. Police were appealing to anyone in the public, who had noticed the suspicious absence of a child in their neighborhood or amongst family or friends, to inform investigators. At about 4:30 p.m., police located the mother at her workplace, according to police reports. The investigation's direction hinged on the cause of death identified in autopsy results released yesterday afternoon. As a result, the investigation is now a coroner's investigation and not a homicide probe. Police, the coroner, and crown attorney's office are reviewing the incident to determine if any criminal charges will be laid. Detectives announced they are not looking for anyone else in connection with the investigation. Watson confirmed the property has 24-hour security operating.

More Remarketing

Technician kneels beside a white commercial van, examining damage to the rear bumper and body panel while holding a tablet.
Remarketing•October 21, 2026

When Should a Fleet Repair Vehicle Damage Before Remarketing?

Not every dent, scratch, or mechanical issue is worth fixing before selling a fleet vehicle. Learn how to weigh repair costs, resale value, market demand, and downtime to determine when reconditioning pays off and when selling as-is makes more sense.

Read More →
Manheim Used Vehicle Value Index chart for September 2026, showing wholesale used-vehicle values declining to 205.9, presented in a blue graphic frame.
Remarketing•by News/Media Release•October 9, 2026

Wholesale Used-Vehicle Values Fall as Cox Automotive Cuts 2026 Forecast

Wholesale used-vehicle prices declined in September as depreciation accelerated, prompting Cox Automotive to lower its year-end forecast.

Read More →
Leadership update graphic featuring four FLD executives, from left to right, Gary Mott, Ron Sanders, Santiago Ramirez, and Richard Mallek, against a red, black, and gray background with bold “Leadership Update” lettering.
Remarketing•by Staff and News Reports•October 8, 2026

FLD Promotes Three Executives in Leadership Changes

FLD has promoted three longtime executives, naming Gary Mott CEO, Richard Mallek president, and Ron Sanders managing partner.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Ford Pro commercial vehicles representing the types of trucks and vans eligible for the Ford Pro Advantage certified pre-owned program.
Remarketing•by Faith Howell•September 30, 2026

Ford Pro Launches Certified Pre-Owned Program for Commercial Vehicles

Ford Pro Advantage will offer certified pre-owned Class 1-7 commercial vehicles through more than 700 Ford Pro Commercial Vehicle Centers.

Read More →
Copart and ACV logos with cars in background
Remarketing•by Staff•September 10, 2026

Copart to Acquire ACV in $1.9 Billion Deal

The acquisition would expand Copart beyond its traditional salvage business into dealer-to-dealer wholesale remarketing while adding ACV’s vehicle data, inspection, and valuation technology.

Read More →
Blue bar graphs showing changes in wholesale used vehicle prices based on vehicle segments.
Remarketing•by News/Media Release•July 9, 2026

Manheim Index Shows Used-Vehicle Wholesale Prices Up 2.1% in June

The market is seeing stronger appreciation in older used vehicles this year, and the most affordable segments have been among the year’s best performers.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Green and black bar graphs showing 2026 versus 2025 fleet sales.
Vehicle Research•by Martin Romjue•July 8, 2026

Commercial Fleet Sales Contribute To June, YTD Gains

The fleet sector has boosted its vehicle purchases at a reliable pace in the first half of this year compared with 1H 2025.

Read More →
Series of colored line graphs showing the recent history of average used listing prices.
Remarketing•by News/Media Release•June 12, 2026

Used Vehicle Prices Climb Higher As Sales Pace Slows

The higher prices at used retail reflect strong wholesale values earlier in the spring, particularly for older, more affordable vehicles.

Read More →
Dark blue bar graphs showing percentage gains in average wholesale used vehicle prices
Remarketing•by News/Media Release•June 5, 2026

Wholesale Used Vehicle Market Sustains Moderate Rise In Values, Prices

Trends continue to normalize after a strong start to the year, as consumers contend with higher gas prices in the coming summer months.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Green and black bar graphs show May 2025 v. 2026 fleet vehicle sales into commercial, rental, and government fleet sectors.
Vehicle Research•by Martin Romjue•June 3, 2026

Commercial Fleet Sales Still Lead Sectors Despite May Mini Dip

The U.S. economy's continued growth and positive business investment are creating a favorable environment for fleet vehicle demand.

Read More →