TWIN FALLS, Idaho (KMVT/KSVT/Gray News) – An 18-year-old woman is facing charges after a dead newborn was found inside a baby box at an Idaho hospital last month, KMVT/KSVT reports.
Police say a dead infant was placed inside a Safe Haven Baby Box on Oct. 13 at Grove Creek Medical Center in Blackfoot, Idaho. Safe Haven Baby Boxes founder Monica Kelsey said when found, the child was wrapped in a blanket, and the placenta was still attached, the Associated Press reports.
During an investigation, detectives determined the baby girl belonged to 18-year-old Angel N. Newberry, according to a Friday news release. She was arrested on a felony charge for failing to report the infant’s death to law enforcement and the coroner.
Investigators have not said how they linked Newberry to the child’s death.
The 18-year-old was booked at the Bingham County Jail. Police say she could potentially face further criminal charges in the ongoing investigation.
A Safe Haven Baby Box is meant to safely allow parents to surrender their newborn (under 30 days old) anonymously and without question. If the infant is harmed or deceased, the placement is not protected under Idaho law.
The baby box at Grove Creek is currently the only one in the state, but Kelsey said another baby box is scheduled to be installed next year.
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