Jamestown (trfnews.i234.me) — Authorities in Jamestown say a post-mortem exam found the fetus discovered last fall was stillborn.
The Jamestown Police Department released the update after working with the Stutsman County Coroner and the North Dakota state forensic medical examiner’s office.
Stillbirth finding
Police said the medical examiner determined the cause of death was intrauterine fetal demise.
Police said the stillbirth was linked to a double nuchal cord.
That term means the umbilical cord was wrapped around the neck twice.
Authorities estimated the fetus was about 34 weeks gestational age.
Police said the exam found no evidence of inflicted trauma or injury before death.
How the remains were found
Police said the remains were discovered on Nov. 4, 2025, during a construction project in southeast Jamestown.
Investigators said the remains were found inside a glass jar with preservative fluid.
Police said broken pieces of an amber-brown glass container were also found.
Jar believed to be decades old
Investigators said markings suggest the jar was made sometime between the 1920s and 1960s.
Police said the most likely window is the 1930s to 1940s.
Criminal case suspended
Based on the stillbirth finding, police said the criminal investigation has been suspended.
Officials said it remains unknown why the fetus was placed in a jar with preservative fluid.
They also said it is unknown why it was left at that location.
Where to learn more
Jamestown Police contact information is posted on the city website.
See: Jamestown Police Department.
For general information on stillbirth, the CDC provides background here: CDC: About Stillbirth.
For general information on nuchal cord, see this medical overview: Cleveland Clinic: Nuchal Cord.
Call for information
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Jamestown Police Department at 701-252-2414.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.
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