Deceased Infant Found in Shopping Center Parking Lot
1600 Block Lander Avenue
On Saturday, November 8, 2008, at approximately 4:32pm, the Turlock Police Department received a call from a citizen notifying authorities that an infant was found in a dumpster with no signs of life in the Savemart shopping center parking lot in the 1600 block of Lander Avenue.
Turlock emergency crews responded to find a newborn infant in a dumpster in the southwest area of the parking lot. The infant was warm to the touch and appeared deceased when emergency crews arrived. The infant was transported to an area hospital where, despite efforts to revive, was pronounced dead. The infant appears to be a late to full term baby.
Turlock Police Investigators were called to secure the scene, process evidence, and interview witnesses. Authorities are concerned about the mother’s well being. We are asking the mother to contact the Turlock Police Department or at least go to an emergency room to ensure that her health is stable after giving birth.
Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact Detective Sergio Perez at the Turlock Police Department at (209) 668-5550 extension 6744. Once again we are concerned for the mother’s well-being and are asking her to contact authorities or immediately respond to an emergency room to be seen by medical professionals.
The Turlock Police Department would also like to remind everyone of the “Safely Surrender Baby Law.” That law, enacted in 2001, was intended to spare the life of an infant by encouraging parents or persons with lawful custody to safety surrender an infant at a “safe surrender site” within 72 hours of the child’s birth. This law provides a safe place for babies, protects the parents from prosecution for child abandonment, does not require that names be given, and allows the parents at least fourteen (14) days to reclaim the baby. “Safe surrender sites” in the City of Turlock include fire stations at 540 Marshall, 791 S. Walnut, 501 E. Monte Vista, and 2820 N. Walnut as well as Emanuel Medical Center at 825 Delbon.
The Turlock Police Department is an active participant in the Crime Stoppers Program. Callers can leave an anonymous tip by calling Crime Stoppers at (209) 521-4636 and may be eligible for a cash reward.
This information is being released by Turlock Police Sergeant Steven Williams.
