MINOT, N.D. — A domestic violence investigation at a southeast Minot home led police to a disturbing discovery involving the alleged death and concealment of an infant years earlier.
Officers with the Minot Police Department responded to the residence at approximately 4:18 p.m. Saturday after receiving a report of a domestic violence incident involving the occupants.
During the investigation, detectives learned information about a deceased infant believed to have been the child of Craig Michael Kerzmann and Sarah Kerzmann.
Police said investigators were told that the child had died approximately three years earlier in another state and that the death had never been reported to law enforcement.
The investigation then took an unexpected turn when authorities were given information about where the child’s remains were allegedly being kept.
Police Say Infant’s Remains Were Hidden in Concrete
According to the Minot Police Department, investigators were told the infant’s remains were believed to be inside a tote containing concrete.
“Investigators received information that the child died approximately three years ago in another state and that the death was not reported to law enforcement at the time,” police said in a press release.
Investigators then located a tote consistent with the description they had received.
Authorities transported the container to the North Dakota State Forensic Examiner’s Office in Bismarck for further evaluation.
Police have not publicly disclosed what investigators believe happened to the infant before the child died, nor have they provided details about how the remains allegedly came to be concealed inside the container.
The discovery remains part of an ongoing investigation.
Couple Faces Multiple Felony Charges
Craig and Sarah Kerzmann were both taken into custody and charged with one count each of failure to report the corpse of a child and disturbing a human burial site, according to authorities.
Both charges are felonies.
Craig Kerzmann, 49, faces an additional felony charge of domestic violence resulting in serious bodily injury, according to police.
Authorities have not publicly explained how the alleged domestic violence incident that brought officers to the home was connected to the information about the infant.
The investigation into both matters is continuing.
Investigation Extends to Texas
Police said investigators believe the infant died in Texas approximately three years ago, before the couple allegedly concealed the child’s remains.
Minot authorities are working with law enforcement partners in Texas as they investigate the circumstances surrounding the infant’s death.
At this point, authorities have not released details about the cause or manner of the child’s death. It also remains unclear what events preceded the death or why it allegedly went unreported for several years.
The forensic examination of the recovered tote and remains is expected to help investigators determine additional details.
Craig and Sarah Kerzmann Remain in Custody
Craig Kerzmann was transported to the Ward County Jail, where records showed he was being held without bond. He was scheduled to make his first court appearance before Judge Steven Lautt on Monday.
Sarah Kerzmann was arrested while receiving medical care. Police said she would be transported to the Ward County Jail after she was medically cleared by doctors.
The charges are allegations, and the investigation remains active as authorities in North Dakota and Texas work to determine what happened to the infant and establish the circumstances surrounding the child’s death.
What do you think about this disturbing case? Share your thoughts in the comments.
One thought on “North Dakota Couple Arrested After Police Find Infant’s Remains Allegedly Hidden Inside Tote Filled With Concrete”