BABY DUMP NEWS, February 7, 2007–v7 #6
February 7, 2007 – 1:22 pm
BABY DUMP NEWS:
A WEEKLY E-CHRONICLE OF NEWBORN ABANDONMENT
INFANTICIDE,
SAFE HAVEN LEGISLATION
AND RELATED ISSUES
February 7, 2007–v7 #6
Distributed weekly by:
Marley Elizabeth Greiner, Executive Chair, Bastard Nation
Disclaimer: Some newspapers keep articles on 7-14 days (or less) free access and then forward them to paid archives. Please feel free to send articles and websites of interest to maddogmarley@worldnet.att.net
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READ: The Daily Bastardette, safe haven and adoption commentary,
http://bastardette.blogspot.com
***THIS WEEK***
NATIONAL–National SH database introduced
CALIFORNIA–Brentwood gets its 2nd dump
NEW YORK–14-year old charged with murder after she tosses newborn from window
OHIO–Dad gets custody of abandoned baby
VIRGINIA–Landfill search called off
CANADA–Baby left on doorstep in Saskatoon
RUSSIA–Abandoned baaies’ mouths plastered shut at hospital
…and more!
***NATIONAL***
Click Press, February 5, 2007
Safe Surrender site program gets a new online face, seeks volunteers
http://www.clickpress.com/releases/Detailed/26644005cp.shtml
National online database of SH locations unveiled by Samuel Anderson, owner and managing partner of venture capital and tech firm Tekbrokers Ventures , LLC; learned about SH from his dentist who found an abandoned newborn in the trash bin at an apartment building he owns. Website includes locations of SH drop-offs, information about SH laws and how individuals can volunteer to work with SH. www.safesurrendersite.com
***STATES***
CALIFORNIA
Beverly Hills La Canyon News, January 28,2007
Brentwood newborn entered into Safe Surrender Program
http://www.canyon-news.com/artman/publish/article_5228.php
BRENTWOOD–2nd newborn left at Brentwood fire station. Taken to Santa Monica-UCLA Medical Center to be checked over. No details.
KGO-TV, San Francisco, January 31, 2007
Baptism for abandoned baby at church
http://abclocal.go.com/kgo/story?section=local&id=4991432
SAN JOSE–SAN JOSE–Update Guadalupe Church case (BDN v6 #6, 7). Account of baby’s baptism at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church where he was found last year. Adoption by Gloria and Rogelio Martinez church employees who discovered baby, now known as Jesus Guadalupe. will be finalized on Valentine’s Day. Video.
NBC 4, Los Angeles, February 2, 2007
Defense argues for dismissal of charges against USC student
http://www.nbc4.tv/news/10914782/detail.html
LOS ANGELES–Update on Holly Ashcraft case (BDN v5 #42, 44-45, 46-47; v6 #3. 7, 39, 40, 48; v7 #3). Defense attorney Mark Geragos argues there is no proof that baby was born alive. Prosecution differs, citing coroner’s report and Ashcraft’s failure to tell police during initial investigation that baby was stillborn. Court recessed until March 2 when both sides will return to discuss dismissal motion.
Los Angeles Times, February 3, 2007
“A lot of ifs” in newborn’s death
LOS ANGELES–LA Count Superior Court Judge David Wesley says he doesn’t have enough information to determine whether baby was alive at birth, or for how long, or why he died, which must be answered to make a determination of malice, necessary for a murder charge. “I’m troubled by the extrapolation, to see malice. I don’t see malice. A mere omission of reasonable care for a newborn is manslaughter.” Mark Geragos argues the coroner’s conclusion that Ashcraft’s baby died of caretaker’s neglect is classic example of circular logic. “You can’t say I know what caused the death, but I’m going to [say] it’s caretaker’s neglect because I don’t now what caused it. You can’t make that leap.”
COLORADO
Denver Post, February 1, 2007
Gag order seals infant murder case
http://www.denverpost.com/news/ci_5135125
GRAND JUNCTION–Douglas County judge puts gag order on case involving Addie Kubisiak, 18, suspected of murdering her newborn in November, and arrested a few days ago. Investigators believe Kubisiak while driving between Gunnison and Parker, stopped and gave birth in backseat of car. Probably kept body in dorm room for 2 months. Picture.
CONNECTICUT
Danbury News Times, February 2, 2007
Affidavit details baby’s death
http://www.newstimeslive.com/news/story.php?id=1030172
DANBURY–Update on Panna Krom case (BDN v7 #2, 3, 4). Court documents indicate Krom felt she had nowhere to turn, gave birth alone in bathroom, and kept baby underwater in toilet and flushed it a few times until baby was dead. Krom also says in affidavit that she considered killing herself just after the birth. Now realizes her parents would have supported her. Knew about abortion and adoption; never followed through on any plan and doesn’t know why. She and baby’s father, Jared Green, had no money and they thought giving up a baby for adoption was “too hard.” Defense disputes affidavit claiming it was made “after bleeding, after trauma.” No written statement from Krom, only what police say she said. Dr. Frank Evangelista, assoc. ME who performed autopsy found death due to asphyxia caused by drowning ,but admits his decision was based on what police told him. Krom received no-prenatal care. Prosecutors say they want her sent to jail for “double digits.” Picture.
FLORIDA
Palm Beach Post, February 1, 2007
Woman: Let dead baby “rest in peace”
http://www.palmbeachpost.com/localnews/content/local_news/epaper/2007/02/01/m1a_MUMMY_0201.html
DELRAY BEACH–Update on mummified baby case (BDN v7 #4). More details. Woman who found remains of baby in her parents storage bay asks for story to die. “Please allow this child, whoever, he is, family member or not, to rest in peace. No earthly benefit can be gained from scrutiny of this tragedy.” No signs of trauma to body; cause of death and DNA results pending.
MARYLAND
NBC 4-TV, Washington DC, February 1, 2007
Police seek assistance to identify abandoned newborn
http://www.nbc4.com/news/10902637/detail.html
SUITLAND–Prince Georges County police ask public’s help in IDing 3-5 day old girl left in apartment hallway.
Annapolis Capital, February 1, 2007
Teen to be tried as juvenile in death of newborn son
http://www.newsnet5.com/news/10902088/detail.html
ANNAPOLIS–Update on Megan Patria case (BDN v5 #50; v6 #7, 19; v7 #5) Circuit Court Judge Nancy Davis-Loomis rules Patria will be tried as juvenile. “What is disturbing to me is the number of teens, some parents, a number of teachers and school officials even healthcare professions, who knew or should have known about this situation, and that no one took the appropriate action to prevent the tragic circumstances here.” Prosecutor not surpirsed by ruling since Dept. of Juvenile Services had recommended Patria be remanded to the juvenile system. “She came from a very strong-willed family: Father’s military, mother works for the police department,” ’says defense attorney Howard Cardin. “She was afraid.” Picture.
NEW YORK
Newsday, January 31, 2007
Man arrested after dead baby found in trash compactor
http://www.newsday.com/news/local/newyork/ny-nybaby0201,0,788817.story?coll=ny-region-apnewjersey
BRONX–Update on Mitchell Houses case (BDN v7 #6). Juan Rodriguez, 32, charged with 2nd degree murder; confesses to killing 1- month old daughter Giovanna Marie Rodriguez because she was crying, then tossing her body down trash chute. Makeshift memorial erected by tenants. Numerous comments.
AM New York, February 1, 2007
Police end search for baby’s body
http://www.amny.com/news/local/am-baby0201,0,1832469.story?coll=am-local-headlines
QUEENS–Update on Lucila Rojas case (BDN v7 #2, 3). Search for body of 2-week old Anthony Rojas called off after 5-day landfill search. Lack of body not expected to impact case since Rojas has confessed to killing him.
New York Times, January 4, 2007
Brooklyn girl threw away her newborn son, police say
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/02/04/nyregion/04baby.html?_r=1&oref=slogin
BROOKLYN–14-year old in custody after giving secret birth and tossing baby out widow of her parents 3rd floor apartment. Determined to have recently given birth when taken to Interfaith Medical Center complaining of severe abdominal pain. 6 newborns discarded in NYC in 2006; up 3 from previous year.
AM New York, February 6, 2007
Teen charged in newborn death
http://www.amny.com/news/local/crime/am-teen0206,0,5571650.story
BROOKLYN–Nicole Young, 14, charged as adult with 2nd degree murder. Baby died of blunt force trauma to head, torso, skull fractures, and brain hemorrhage. Young tells police she was afraid and hid pregnancy. Joycelyn Doxerie, owner of nearby Sparkle Daycare wants more promotion of SH needed.
NY 1 News, February 6, 2007
Mourners outraged at parents who threw baby girl in trash
http://www.ny1.com/ny1/content/index.jsp?stid=1&aid=66587
BRONX–Juan Rodriguez indicted for murder, Maribel Caceres, 21, charged with hindering prosecution and hiding body of daughter Giovanna. Police say Giovanna was killed in her LI home and taken by public transportation to the Bronx where she was dumped. “They are both in jail right now,rightfully so, that’s where they belong. There is no way a family can stand behind someone like that. He has no support from our family As far as we are concerned he has no family. We have no forgiveness,” says Rodriguez’s uncle Eddie Rosario. Picture.
Newswatch 50, Watertown, February 6, 2007
Infant’s body put in hotel trashcan
http://www.newswatch50.com/news/local/story.aspx?content_id=546d7af2-117f-4af8-bebd-a03b86fe25aa
WATERTOWN–Andrea Kline, 21, of Kalamazoo, MI charged with unlawful disposition of a body. Gave birth in hotel room and then put baby in trash. No details. Picture. Video.
Flint (MI) Journal, February 7, 2007
Woman held in dumping of baby
http://www.mlive.com/news/fljournal/index.ssf?/base/news-41/1170861662327000.xml&coll=5
FLINT–Kline’s father has no comment; just learned of charges. Kline reportedly is 3rd year student at Western Michigan University and was in Watertown to visit her boyfriend stationed at Fort Drum, NY.
NORTH CAROLINA
WRAL-TV, Raleigh, February 7, 2007
Dead baby found in dumpster
http://www.wral.com/news/local/story/1196026/
ROCKY MOUNT–Food Lion employee finds body of newborn in store’s trash bin. 3rd newborn abandoned in area in little more than a year. Video.
WWAY-TV, Wilmington, February 7, 2007
Dead baby found in Duplin County
http://www.wwaytv3.com/Global/story.asp?S=6050679&nav=menu70_2
WARSAW–Couple looking at vacant houses finds body of baby, wrapped in blankets, at backdoor of house. Speculation, but no leads. Autopsy pending. Picture.
OHIO
Elyria Chronicle-Telegram, February 1, 2007
Abandoned baby has name, home
http://www.chroniclet.com/Daily%20Pages/020107head14.html
LORAIN–Update on Heather Heck case (BDN v6 #48). Wesley Cales determined to be father baby, now officially named Samual Andrew Cales, left in garage over Thanksgiving, Baby removed from fostercare and placed with Cales and his parents.
WEWS-TV, Cleveland, February 1, 2007
Woman accused of leaving newborn in SUV pleads not guilty
http://www.newsnet5.com/news/10902088/detail.html
LORAIN–Heather Heck pleads not guilty to charges of felony child endangering. Picture.
PENNSYLVANIA
CBS 3-TV, Philadelphia, January 30, 2007
Police awaiting results in newborn death
http://cbs3.com/topstories/local_story_030115443.html
UPPER DARBY–Police complete case interviews and wait for autopsy results Supt. Michael Chitwood says they know who placed the baby inside the car and they expect to charge at someone with at least abuse of a corpse.
Delco Times, February 2, 2007
Widener professor sheds light on pregnancy denial
http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=17798545&BRD=1675&PAG=461&dept_id=18171&rfi=6
CHESTER–Doris Vallone, RN, professor at Widener University School of Nursing comments on pregnancy denial. She and colleague Lori M. Hoffman wrote “Preventing the Tragedy of Neonaticde” after the Drexler “prom mom” and Amy Gross/Brian Peterson cases. “Reliable statistics relating to pregnancy denial with ’surprise’ deliveries are unavailable because such cases are not reportable,” Vallone says. “Researchers agree that psychosocial stressors place a role in pregnancy denial. Intrapsychic factors operate to maintain pregnancy denial Conscious coping and unconscious defense mechanisms are blurred.” Also says that “magical thinking” is prevalent in pregnancy denial. “We are unable to make judgments or provide assistance unless we understand the circumstances for this tragic act of desperation. It’s not just cold-blooded murder. There is more to the psychodynamics of it.
Allentown Morning Call, February 4, 207
“Citizen” Michener felt debt to country
ALLENTOWN–Feature on author James Michener, deserted as an infant on the streets of New York. Birthdate, Feb. 3, 1907 was speculative and picked to acquire a passport.
SOUTH DAKOTA
Beatrice (NE) Daily Sun, February 6, 2007
Father given prison time in landfill baby case
(off server)
ELK POINT–Update on Lori Schultz/Paul Lundberg case (BDN v4 #11, 12, 13, 15-16, 22; v5 #2, 11, 21, 22, 43, 46-47, 51; v6 # 2, 6, 11, 43-44, 50). Lundberg given 5 years for helping to conceal the death of infant son. Judge ways Lundberg manipulated Schultz.
VIRGINIA
Rocktown Weekly, January 31, 2007
Landfill search abandoned
http://www.rocktownweekly.com/news_details.php?AID=8506&CHID=1
HARRISONBURG–Update on Rockingham County landfill case (BDN v7 #6). Investigators call off 1 1/2 day search saying it would be impossible to locate infant, and due to sub-freezing temperatures, it could not have survived. Unnamed woman, 19,reportedly gave birth in public restroom in college dorm, put baby in bag and discarded it on trash. Police uncertain if mother can be prosecuted without a body or cause of death determined. Comments (many critical of police handling of case).
WHSV-TV, Harrisonburg, January 31, 2007
Safe Haven law
http://www.whsv.com/news/headlines/5421731.html
HARRISONBURG–Short feature on SH advocate Marcie Phares, who pregnant at 19 sought assistance from a “crisis pregnancy center.” “You don’t have to give that child up for abortion; there are people that can take your baby for you and you don’t have to go to such an extent as what happened here recently.” Wants young women to be aware of SH law.
Harrisonburg News Record, February 2, 2007
Search for newborn over, but investigation continues, authorities say
http://www.dnronline.com/news_details.php?AID=8574&CHID=2
HARRISONBURG–Investigators say case continues but refuse to divulge details. Mother has cooperated; could be charged with improperly disposing of a body.
WASHINGTON
Portland Oregonian, February 4, 2007
Legislators are following Oregon in trying to expand the list of drop-off havens
http://www.oregonlive.com/news/oregonian/index.ssf?/base/news/117046595431320.xml&coll=7
OLYMPIA–SB 5425 would expand drop off points to federally designated rural health clinics and federally qualified health centers. Those clinics receive federal money for providing care to Medicaid and Medicare recipients and health centers receive federal grants for providing care to medically underserved or poor populations. SH sponsor Jeanne Kohl-Welles says state must figure out a way to promote law; doesn’t think it will cost much.
***CANADA***
SASKATCHEWAN
Edmonton Journal, February 4, 2007
Newborn abandoned on frigid Sask. doorstep
SASKATOON–Hours old girl left on doorstep in -29–39C weather. Found when resident’s dog wouldn’t stop barking. Baby in good health.
Toronto Globe and Mail, February 2, 2007
Man spotted holding bundle just before baby abandoned
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/LAC.20070206.BABY06/TPStory/National
SASKATOON–Local police may have located mother. Homecare worker driving through neighborhood says she saw a man clutching what she thought could be baby. Didn’t realize until later she may have seen abandoner. Psychiatrists say baby abandonment is rare; mothers often young and not well educated. Baby being called Peeka after the dog who alerted owners.
Saskatoonhomepage.com, February 6, 2007
Mother of abandoned baby comes forward
SASKATOON–Unnamed woman, 18, comes forward and identifies herself as mother. Police say she has a “background that left her suffering from feelings of isolation, confusion and despair.”
CBC News, February 7, 2007
Safe abandonment laws needed in Canada: US district attorney
http://www.cbc.ca/canada/saskatchewan/story/2007/02/07/abandonment.html
SASKATOON–SH pioneer, Former Mobile, AL prosecutor John Tyson says Canada needs SH laws. “If a mother is telling us that she is so desperate that the only thing she can do is abandon a baby or leave the baby at a hospital, what we’ve learned to do is take her at her word and react to it. Far better than we do that than go clean up a homicide scene.
***INTERNATIONAL***
BULGARIA
Sophia Weekly, January 30, 2007
Bulgaria’s police put abandoned baby under protection
http://www.novinite.com/view_news.php?id=76056
PAZARDZHK–Authorities arrange for 48-hour police protection in “social home” for abandoned 1-month old baby. Mother, 20, has abandoned her several times, lately with elderly relatives who can’t care for her.
GAMBIA
Fajaara Point, February 5, 2007
Baby found dumped in Brikama
http://www.thepoint.gm/headlines1646.htm
BRIKAMA–Wrapped body of newborn found in roadside rubbish heap. Investigation pending; no suspects.
RUSSIA
BBC News, February 1, 2007
Russian shock at “gagged babies”
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/6319439.stm?ls
YEKATERINGBURG–Criminal investigation opens on maternity nurse who taped the mouths of infants in abandoned babies ward. Taping documented on video phone by patient Elena Kuritsnya, who overheard muffled cries in nearby ward. When she complained she was told to mind her own business. “Children in the first year of life were systematically gagged with sticking plaster to make children behave quietly,” according to prosecutor’s press release. Picture. Phone video link.
Moscow News, February 2, 2007
Russian nurse suspended for taping newborn babies’ mouths shut
http://www.mosnews.com/news/2007/02/01/sadisticnurse.shtml
YEKATERINGBURG–Unidentified doctor defends practice saying her staff is overworked and underpaid and taping saved time by preventing pacifiers from being spit on to the floor.
SOUTH AFRICA
News 24, February 5, 2007
Dog found eating dumped infant
http://www.news24.com/News24/South_Africa/News/0,,2-7-1442_2064762,00.html
EAST LONDON–Dog eats head of day-old infant. Case of concealment of birth under investigation.
***CONFERENCES***
Capital University, Center for Adoption Law and Policy, Wells Conference, February 15, 2007:
No Parent Left Behind: Adoption and Fathers; Rights
Panel 1: “Safe Haven” Laws: Safe Haven Laws: Where are the Daddies? Prof. Jeffrey Parness, Northern Illinois School of Law; Commenter: Adam Pertman, Evan B. Donaldson Adoption Institute
https://culsnet.law.capital.edu/LawReview/Wells/
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