A decades-old mystery has finally been solved after Joanne Sharkey, 55, tearfully admitted to killing her newborn son, Baby Callum, nearly 27 years after his body was discovered in a bin bag in Warrington, Cheshire.
The tragic case, which left police and the local community searching for answers since 1998, was reopened using advanced DNA analysis, leading to Sharkey’s arrest. Now, after pleading guilty to manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility, she faces sentencing for the crime that has haunted the UK for nearly three decades.
The Discovery of Baby Callum
On March 14, 1998, a dog walker in Callands, Warrington made a heartbreaking discovery—a newborn baby, wrapped in two knotted black bin bags, abandoned in a secluded wooded area near Gulliver’s World theme park.
🔹 Forensic examination revealed that the baby had been born full-term but had suffered fatal injuries.
🔹 The case was named “Baby Callum” after the district where he was found.
🔹 The cause of death remained unclear, but police launched a murder investigation into what was believed to be a tragic case of infanticide.
Despite an intensive search for the baby’s parents, no arrests were made, and the case went cold.
Decades of Mystery – Why Was No One Caught Sooner?
The 1998 investigation was one of the largest of its kind in Cheshire:
✅ DNA Profiling: A full DNA sample was taken from Baby Callum, but there was no match in national databases.
✅ Extensive Inquiries: Hundreds of people were interviewed, and hospitals, midwives, and GP records were checked.
✅ Public Appeals: The case received significant media coverage, yet no one came forward with information.
Despite these efforts, the identity of Baby Callum’s mother remained unknown, and the case remained unsolved for over two decades.
Breakthrough: DNA Technology Cracks the Case in 2022
In January 2022, Cheshire Police’s Major Crime Review Team revisited the case using new forensic DNA techniques.
🔬 Familial DNA matching led detectives to a relative of Baby Callum, whose profile had recently entered the police database.
👮 Police traced the connection back to Joanne Sharkey, who was then arrested in July 2023.
This groundbreaking forensic breakthrough finally uncovered the truth about Baby Callum’s identity and led to Sharkey’s shocking confession.
Joanne Sharkey’s Confession – What Happened?
During a Liverpool Crown Court hearing on March 6, 2025, Joanne Sharkey pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of her newborn son.
💔 Sharkey admitted to suffering from severe mental health struggles at the time of the birth.
💔 She claimed she was in a state of emotional distress and panicked after giving birth.
💔 Her guilty plea for manslaughter was accepted, as psychiatric evaluations confirmed she had diminished responsibility due to mental health disorders.
Originally charged with murder and concealing the birth of a child, Sharkey’s plea deal could result in a reduced sentence as part of a mental health defense.
Community’s Reaction – A Town That Never Forgot
For 27 years, Baby Callum was not forgotten by the people of Warrington.
💐 Local residents held a funeral for Baby Callum in July 1998, giving him a dignified burial.
🪦 A headstone was placed on his grave, inscribed:
“Baby Callum, precious child of God. Laid to rest July 27, 1998. With love, from the people of Warrington.”
🙏 The community came together to honor him, even when no one knew his real name.
Now that the truth has come to light, residents are relieved to have closure, but many are still mourning the tragic loss of a newborn life.
What Happens Next?
Now that Sharkey has confessed and pleaded guilty, her fate lies in the hands of the court.
⚖️ Sentencing will take place later in 2025 after further psychiatric evaluations.
⚖️ Sharkey may receive a reduced sentence due to her mental health condition at the time.
⚖️ The case highlights the importance of mental health support for vulnerable women facing crisis pregnancies.
While justice for Baby Callum is finally within reach, this case serves as a tragic reminder of the consequences of unaddressed mental health struggles and desperation.
Conclusion
The heartbreaking case of Baby Callum has finally reached a turning point after 27 years of unanswered questions. Joanne Sharkey’s confession has provided closure to a community that never forgot him, thanks to modern forensic science and relentless police work.
As Sharkey awaits sentencing, many are reflecting on the case as a tragic example of what happens when vulnerable mothers feel they have no options. While Baby Callum’s short life will never be forgotten, his story has now, at last, been told.
FAQs
1. Who was Baby Callum?
Baby Callum was a newborn baby found dead in a bin bag in Warrington, Cheshire, in March 1998. His identity remained a mystery for 27 years.
2. How was his mother, Joanne Sharkey, caught?
In 2022, police used familial DNA analysis to identify a close relative of Baby Callum, leading them to his mother, Joanne Sharkey, who was arrested in 2023.
3. What did Joanne Sharkey plead guilty to?
She pleaded guilty to manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility, which means she was suffering from mental health struggles at the time of the crime.
4. Will she go to prison?
Her sentencing will take place later in 2025, but due to her mental health condition, she may receive a reduced sentence or psychiatric treatment instead of a long-term prison sentence.
5. What happens next?
The court will decide Sharkey’s sentence, and the case will serve as an important discussion point for mental health support in crisis pregnancies.
