North Dakota couple charged after infant encased in concrete is found in their closet

MINOT, N.D. (TCN) -- A mother and father have been charged in connection with the death of a baby whose body was found in a closet in their home, encased in concrete.

According to a probable cause affidavit obtained by Valley News Live, a neighbor of 45-year-old Sarah Kerzmann and 49-year-old Craig Kerzmann called authorities on Aug. 21 after Sarah Kerzmann claimed while intoxicated that there was a dead baby at their house. 

According to the neighbor, Kerzmann claimed she had had triplets in 2023 while living in Texas, and that one of the babies died at about 6 months of age while their father was caring for them.

Valley News Live reports that on Aug. 22, another neighbor called authorities after Sarah Kerzmann allegedly called and stated she had cut her husband with a knife. 

The couple was taken into custody at a motel, and Sarah Kerzmann allegedly said, “If I’m going down, so are you,” and allegedly revealed the information about the deceased infant to authorities. 

According to the affidavit, Sarah Kerzmann alleged Craig Kerzmann told her he found their baby unresponsive and not to call the authorities for fear that he would be blamed for the death. She claimed the couple bought a tote to put the remains in; they later left Texas and moved to North Dakota. 

According to Valley News Live, a search warrant executed at the home allegedly revealed a tote with concrete in it, consistent with their statements. The tote and the enclosed remains were turned over to the office of the medical examiner. 

On Aug. 24, Sarah Kerzmann and Craig Kerzmann were each charged with failure to report the corpse of a child and disturbing a human burial site. In addition, Craig Kerzmann was charged with domestic violence involving serious bodily injury.

Minot Daily News reports Craig Kerzmann has been booked into jail and Sarah Kerzmann, who is currently being treated at a hospital, will be booked into jail after medical clearance.

MORE: