3rd infanticide charge laid against Charlottetown woman

A Charlottetown woman, whopleaded guilty last month toinfanticide in the deaths of two babies, has had a third charge laid against her in another death.

The remains of a third infant were found on Friday, and connected to Shannon Dawn Rayner, said Charlottetown police Monday morning.

Deputy Chief Brad MacConnell said the remains were found in a shed outside a home in the Charlottetown neighbourhood of Sherwood. The home, he said, is a former residence of Rayner's.

The current resident called Charlottetown police early Friday afternoon, saying a suspicious package had been found in the shed. Police got a search warrant and conducted an extensive search of the property.

"What was located as a result of that search was skeletal remains of an infant," said MacConnell.

"An extensive search was conducted on Friday of that residence and property to assure that there were no other undiscovered remains."

The remains have been sent to a Halifax forensic lab to determine how long they have been there, and to uncover other potential evidence.

Police searched the Sherwood home in September and found the remains of two infants in storage totes.MacConnell said the method of disposal with this latest discoverywas consistent with the incidents Rayner pleaded guilty to.

The outbuilding was not included in the search warrant. MacConnell said investigators had no reason to believe at the time that there would be evidence outside the house.

Rayner was arrested and charged on Saturdayandis being held in custody. She has not yet been formally interviewed on this third charge, said MacConnell. She is expected to appear in court later this week.

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