A man and a woman have been charged following the discovery of a deceased infant at a motel in Adelaide, South Australia. Benjamin Nicholas Houghton, 40, and Yue Ning Lieu, 42, were taken into custody after police found the body of a baby boy during a welfare check at the Tollgate Motel in Glen Osmond on Saturday.

Authorities reported that the infant had been deceased for an extended period prior to the discovery. A post-mortem examination determined the child’s age to be between six and seven months. Houghton and Lieu had been residing at the motel since arriving in South Australia earlier this year.

Both individuals face charges of criminal neglect and destroying human remains with the intent to pervert the course of justice. The pair appeared before the Adelaide Magistrates Court on Monday, where they did not seek bail and were remanded in custody until May 3, 2027.

Initial inquiries were conducted by the Eastern District detectives of South Australia Police. However, due to the complexity of the case and the resources needed, the Major Crime Investigation Branch has assumed responsibility for the investigation.

Police have appealed for information from anyone who has stayed at the Tollgate Motel, especially those with knowledge of the occupants of room four, where Houghton and Lieu were staying. Authorities have urged potential witnesses to contact Crime Stoppers to assist with the ongoing investigation.