Calgary woman charged in connection with theft of purse that contained baby’s ashes

The Calgary Police Service said a 30-year-old Calgary woman has been charged in connection with the theft of a woman’s purse that contained the ashes of her late child.

Laura Hudson was visiting Calgary from Medicine Hat earlier this month. On Dec. 2, her purse was stolen from Henry’s Pub in the lobby of the Sheraton Cavalier at 26 Street and 32 Avenue N.E.

The ashes inside the purse were the remains of Hudson’s baby, Hunter, who drowned six months ago. He was Hudson’s fourth child.

In surveillance video provided by the Sheraton, two women are seen entering the bar while Nathan – Hunter’s dad – and Laura are at the VLT machines. At one point, one of the women quickly looks around, takes something from the bar and the pair take off.

According to Laura, it took her about 30 seconds until she realized her purse was gone and “her heart just fell out, it just dropped.”

READ MORE: Baby’s ashes stolen from Calgary pub

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Hunter’s ashes were in her purse to bring her comfort during the trip, which saw her family attend a ceremony at the Alberta Children’s Hospital to help grieving parents.

“My wife likes to bring him everywhere we go, so that he’s close with her,” Nathan said at the time.

Police said the women left the pub and drove away in a silver, four-door car, possibly a 2008 or newer Mitsubishi Lancer.

Police said credit cards from the stolen purse were later used at a Calgary 7-11.

CCTV photos of the suspects were later released by police.

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On Thursday, police said Hudson got her baby’s ashes back.

READ MORE: Mother relieved after baby’s ashes stolen from Calgary pub located by police

On Sunday, Carolin Kelly was charged with one count of fraud under $5,000.

Police did not say if the other woman was ever arrested or charged.

-With files from Tracy Nagai and Erika Tucker.