BABY DUMP NEWS – February 21, 2007 – v7 #8
February 22, 2007 – 1:19 pm
BABY DUMP NEWS:
A WEEKLY E-CHRONICLE OF NEWBORN ABANDONMENT
INFANTICIDE,
SAFE HAVEN LEGISLATION
AND RELATED ISSUES
February 22, 2007–v7 #8
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
All links are tested just before sending.
READ: The Daily Bastardette, safe haven and adoption commentary, http://bastardette.blogspot.com
February 19, 2007: Baby dumping Texas style
February 20, 2007: Massachusetts: Potential killer moms take time out to turn in medical and social histories?
February 20, 2007: Alabama dad drops dime on mom: Baby saved from safe haven mill
***THIS WEEK***
ALABAMA–Husband tips off police when baby is safe havened
FLORIDA–Teen charged with aggravated child abuse
NEW MEXICO–Kailee gets 3rd transplant
TEXAS–Woman claims she found baby in trash; firefighters don’t ask questions
IRELAND–Justice Minister demands full report from Garda on Dalkey baby investigation;
may convene public hearing
…and more!
***STATES***
ALABAMA
WSFA-TV, Birmingham, February 16, 2007
Stepfather claims new autopsy report proves daughter didn’t kill newborn
http://www.wsfa.com/Global/story.asp?S=6102529&nav=menu33_2
DOTHAN–Update on Shakira Thomas case (BDN v5 #30, 33, 34; v6 #13). Thomas’s stepfather David Brown says police pressured her to sign statement that baby was born alive promising she could go home if she cooperated with them. Report from Dept. of Forensic Sciences supports claim; lists cause of death as “undetermined.,” Because of Thomas’s initial statement, though, the case is still considered a homicide, and Thomas remains in jail waiting trial. NAACP and SCLC hold support rally.
Andalusia Star-News, February 19, 2007
Baby abandoned at ARH
http://www.andalusiastarnews.com/articles/2007/02/17/news/news01.txt
ANDALUSIA–Police seek information about newborn dropped off at Andalusia Regional Hospital Friday afternoon. Dumper appeared to be Hispanic and not the mother, approached nurse, handed over baby and said, “Safe harm, safe harm.” Baby’s body temperature was extremely low and she appeared to have some oxygen deprivation; possible brain damage.
WTVY-TV, Dothan, February 19, 2007
Baby abandoned at Andalusia Regional Medical Center
http://www.wtvynews4.com/news/headlines/5939681.html
ANDALUSIA–Case now being called a SH drop but with reservations. Police believe baby may have been left in an abandoned building for 12 hours before being brought to hospital. Covington County DA and Alabama Bureau of Investigation handling case. “Due to federal restrictions, the condition of Baby Jane Doe has not been released from Pensacola Sacred Heart Hospital.” Picture.
Andalusia Star-News, February 20, 2007
Baby’s mom found, no charges filed
http://www.andalusiastarnews.com/articles/2007/02/20/news/news01.txt
ANDALUSIA–Unnamed mother identified when husband who suspected wife was pregnant tips off police. District Judge Trippy McGuire rules that if baby is determined to be in good health no charges will be filed. See The Daily Bastardette for commentary.
CALIFORNIA
Yucaipa/Calimesa News Mirror, February 15, 2007
“For Love” dinner and dance wows the crowd
http://www.newsmirror.net/articles/2007/02/15/entertainment/01entertainment.txt
YUCAIPA–Account of “For Love” Valentine formal dress dinner and dance benefit for Garden of Angels baby cemetery. Yucaipa High School Junior ROTC members escorted guests to tables; Yucaipa HS Madrigals furnished entertainment. Auction items include cruises, Mexico weekends, hot air balloon ride, jewelry, quilts, cigars, and Thomas Kincade art. Adoptive parents of SH babies special guests. Picture.
San Francisco Chronicle, February 15, 2007
Woman pleads no contest in newborn’s death
http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2007/02/15/BAGHBO5CM18.DTL
REDWOOD CITY–Update on Hilda Figueroa case (BDN v5 #49, 50; v6 #2, 3, 5, 7, 12, 21, 31, 33, 36, 45, 46, 50; v7 #4). Figueroa sentenced to 1 year for felony child endangerment; originally charged with felony child endangerment and involuntary manslaughter. Must serve 4 years supervised probation, take 1 year of child abuse counseling, participate in parenting classes, and refrain from working in childcare industry. San Mateo County Coroner’s office determined baby breathed on its own for a short time after she was born, but indicated she likely died from a placental infection. Figueroa is pregnant again and due in July.
Fontana Herald News, February 15, 2007
Man allegedly sets hotel room on fire
http://www.fontanaheraldnews.com/articles/2007/02/15/news/03newspolice.txt
FONTANA–Manuel Gonzales arrested on charges of arson and attempted murder; allegedly set Motel 6 room on fire with girlfriend and her 2 children in it. Gonzales identified as man who earlier abandoned a baby at a hospital.
COLORADO
YourHub.com, February 19, 2007
Teen parents have various resources, opportunities
http://denver.yourhub.com/Parker/Stories/News/About-Town/Story~185011.aspx
DOUGLAS COUNTY–Feature on programs to help pregnant teens and parents; includes SH education. Susan Anderson, director of New Growth Situations (WINGS) believes SH saves lives.
CONNECTICUT
Stamford Advocate, February 14, 2007
Teen pleads not guiltily in newborn’s death
DANBURY–Update on Panna Krom case (BDN v7 #2, 3, 4, 6). Krom pleads not guilty to charges of murder and risk of injury in drowning of newborn Judge appoints advocate for baby at request of prosecutor.
Danbury News Times, February 21, 2007
Safe havens
http://neighbors.newstimeslive.com/opinion/edit.php?id=1031994
DANBURY–Editorial in support of SH. “Adopted in 2000, it (SH) is meant to help those who believe they cannot care for a new baby but fear family, community, or even legal problems if they give up a child–or acknowledge they have had a child.”
FLORIDA
Miami Herald, February 16, 2007
Dade teen charged with discarding newborn
http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/16715901.htm
MIAMI–Update on bush baby case (BDN v7 #7). 16-year old unidentified teen arrested and charged with aggravated child abuse.
MASSACHUSETTS
Milford Daily News, February 14, 2007
Letter: Dead baby probe is ongoing
http://www.milforddailynews.com/opinion/8998934393271615487
MILFORD–Update on Milford/Baby Epiphany case (BDN v7, #2, 3, 7). Chief of Police Thomas O’Loughlin replies to columnist Frank Mazzaglia’s complaint (BDN v7 #7) about slow investigation. Calls it “unfair and ill informed.” Mother of dead infant was ID’d within one day of discovery of body. “Each case presents its own set of intricacies and complexities that need to be addressed by police investigators, the District Attorney and the medical examiner. It is not a reasonable exercise to compare one investigation or autopsy to another, particularly without the benefit of knowing all of the facts and circumstances of each of the investigations. Fairness and justice for this little boy and the other parities involved demands that the police, the District Attorney and the Medical Examiner conduct a thorough and complete inquiry.”
Milford Daily News, February 18, 2007
Long wait for secrets of the dead
http://www.milforddailynews.com/homepage/8998925625196543999
MILFORD–Feature on forensics and why a long wait may be necessary to conclude Milford investigation. Interviews with Dr. Michael Baden, chief forensic pathologist for NYS Police and former chief ME for NYC and Dr. Brian Peterson, a CA forensic pathologist who worked on the Laci Peterson case. Explains tests, complications, and need for patience. Once autopsy is completed results go directly to prosecutor; police get it later.
NEW MEXICO
Albuquerque Tribune, February 16, 2007
Joline Gutierrez Krueger: Hope, waiting mark Kailee’s last chance
http://www.abqtrib.com/news/2007/feb/16/joline-gutierrez-krueger-hope-waiting-mark-kailees/
ALBUQUERQUE–Update on Kailee Wells case (BDN v3 #8, 9, 11, 47; v4 # 3,5,7.9,11,13,15-16,18, 19, 21, 22, 26, 28, 33, 51; v5 #4, 5, 6, 9, 10, 11, 12. 17, 35, 38, 40, 43. 44-45, 46-47, 50; v6 #1, 4, 8, 18, 19, 21, 33, 37, 49; v7 #1). Kailee undergoes 3rd marrow transplant. Mother Linda Wells writes, “If this doesn’t work there really is nothing else to try. That is not to say it won’t work. It can… It’s just hard to have hope when everything so far has failed in one way or another…Staring down the throat of a black abyss, trying to focus on our one last chance of making Kailee well. ,,,In some ways it was easier in the beginning. We couldn’t have imagined then all that has happened since. We didn’t now then, couldn’t comprehend what having a deathly ill child truly meant, didn’t know what it felt like, couldn’t imagine how watching your child tip-toe around the edges of life and death, day after day, imprisons our joy.” Feels a little more optimistic now that procedure is completed. Donor is from China, and Chinese policy only allows 3 attempts.
NEW YORK
News 10-TV, Syracuse, February 21, 2007
Safe haven law helps prevent tragedies
http://news10now.com/content/all_news/?ArID=95887&SecID=83
SYRACUSE–Local law enforcement pushes SH. Baby Sarah’s adoptive mother Karen praises law. “A lot of these girls going through these crisis situations are students in college and high school. If they just knew that it was out there maybe they could reach for this rather than the other alternative…This bubbly little girl may not have been here without the law. It’s just kind of a miracle.” Want high schools and colleges to “educate” students about law. More on Baby Sarah can be found in BDN v2 #4, 14, 26, 33, 49.)
NORTH CAROLINA
Rocky Mount Telegram, February 18, 2007
Officials push Safe Surrender
http://www.rockymounttelegram.com/local/content/news/stories/2007/02/18/safe.html
TARBORO–Edgecombe County Children’s Services works to get out SH information. Dir .Marlon Land says that one hindrance to success is that some mothers don’t trust the law and believe there are criminal charges attached despite what they hear. Also concerned that mothers believe they are required to take baby to a particular location, when they can actually leave it with a “any responsible adult.”
PENNSYLVANIA
Philadelphia Daily News, February 16, 2007
Cops: Trunk-baby’s mom hid her pregnancy
http://www.philly.com/mld/dailynews/news/local/16711459.htm
UPPER DARBY–Update on Piscopo/Leone case (BDN v7 #4, 5). Police say still unnamed and unquestioned 18-year old alleged mother denied pregnancy to the father, also 18; claimed her swelling belly was an “allergic reaction to a birth-control patch and that she planned to have the mass surgically removed.” Coroner’s ruling may not come for another 2 months.
TEXAS
Fox 4-TV, Dallas/Fort Worth, February 16, 2007
Infant abandoned outside hospital
DALLAS–4-7 day old boy found on bench outside Baylor Medical Center. In fair condition and recovering. Picture.
Dallas-Fort Worth Star-Telegram, February 16, 2007
Infant hand over at fire station
http://www.dfw.com/mld/dfw/news/16713353.htm
ARLINGTON–Newborn dropped off at fire station. Firefighters report she sat parking lot for awhile, left and returned with baby. Claims she found it in garbage bin. See The Daily Bastardette for commentary.
VERMONT
Randolph Herald, February 8, 2007
Local cops are ready to accept babies
http://www.rherald.com/news/2007/0208/Front_Page/f06.html
RANDOLPH–Local police take SH training. “If the situation is such that you cannot care for your baby, if giving your baby to us is a better solution for yourself and the baby, by all means don’t hesitate to do so.” says Police Chief Krakowiecki.
WASHINGTON
Seattle Post-Intelligencer, February 16, 2007
Note to public officials: if others can do it, why can’t you
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/paynter/303867_paynt16.html
SEATTLE–Susan Paynter’s latest on Washington SH. Story of Julie Lotz, single adoptive mom of 2 pre-SH abandoned babies; instrumental in passing SH bill and “struggles” to get word out.
***INTERNATIONAL***
BRUNEI
BruneiDirect.com, February 19, 2007
Dead baby boy found at Sg Akar dumpsite
http://www.brudirect.com/DailyInfo/News/Archive/Feb07/190207/nite01.htm
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN–Workers find newborn’s decomposing body in garbage dump where 300 tons of waste a day are left. Investigation underway. The Community Development Department of the Ministry of Culture, Youth, and Sports has recorded 19 cases of abandoned babies since 2000, all of whom have been adopted.
BruneiDirect.Com, February 20, 2007
Outrage over baby in garbage yard
http://www.brudirect.com/DailyInfo/News/Archive/Feb07/200207/nite02.htm
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN–”Observers” say people who abandon infants may be under extreme pressure, stress and unable to face the social stigma. Quotes from various people but consensus is that baby could have been placed for adoption. Penalty for child abandonment is a maximum 7 years imprisonment and 10 strokes of the cane or a maximum $20,000 fine or both.
BruneiDirect.com, February 21, 2007
Police probe baby in shoebox claim
http://www.brudirect.com/DailyInfo/News/Archive/Feb07/220207/nite01.htm
TUTONG–Police investigate Indonesian workers’ report of newborn’s body in shoebox. Authorities haven’t confirmed claim.
ENGLAND
BBC News, February 14, 2007
Newborn baby found in wheelie bin
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/wiltshire/6362903.stm
TROWBRIDGE–Mother, 19, panics and leaves newborn daughter in bin, thinking she was dead. Reunited and “bonding.”
This is Wiltshire, February 15, 2007
Bin baby is doing well
http://www.thisiswiltshire.co.uk/news/headlines/display.var.1195115.0.bin_baby_doing_well.php
TROWBRIDGE–Mother and baby, now named Tanya, doing well. Tanya was DOA but doctors resuscitated her. Good prospect that mother will get custody eventually. Picture.
Wiltshire Gazette & Herald, February 21, 2007
Mother of bin baby arrested
TROWBRIDDGE–Mother arrested on suspicion of neglect but not charged; released on bond.
INDIA
New Hope Courier (OK), February 18, 2007
Indian gov’t to raise abandoned girls
(off server)
NEW DELHI–In attempt to halt widespread practice of aborting female fetuses, Indian government plans to set up series of orphanages to raise abandoned baby girls. “What we are saying to the people is have your children, don’t kill them. And if you don’t want a girl child, leave her to us.”
Hindustan Times, February 18, 2007
Hospital super held, probe ordered
http://www.hindustantimes.com/news/5922_1931694,0015002100000000.htm
Superintendent of Ratlam Mission Hospital and a sweeper arrested after more than 350 bones, suspected to be of infants and aborted fetuses, were discovered in plastic bags from septic tank. Charges related to concealment of birth by secret disposal of dead body. Second search recovered more than 40 bones believed to be of small children and animals.
IRELAND
Irish Times, February 14, 2007
Dalkey baby death inquest continues
http://www.ireland.com/newspaper/breaking/2007/0214/breaking51.htm
DUBLIN–Update on Baby “Niamh/Noleen case (BDN v5 #27, 28, 29, 37, v6 #6, 7). 2 psychologists tell inquest they have no doubt that Cynthia Owen was raped and gave birth to baby that was murdered.
Belfast Telegraph, February 15, 2007
Dun Laoghaire baby inquest hears conflicting statements
http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/breaking-news/ireland/article2272595.ece
DUBLIN–Statement read at inquest from Cynthia Owen’s deceased mother, denying Owen gave birth at home, but claiming she knew mother’s identity. Statements of deceased brother and niece also read. Niece. committed suicide claiming she’d been sexually abused as child as was Owen; brother disappeared and his bones were found 2 years later.
Ireland on-line, February 18m 2007
McDowell demands Garda report in baby stabbing case
http://breakingnews.iol.ie/news/story.asp?j=210799598&p=zyx8xx3×4
DUBLIN–Inquest rules that Owen gave birth at age 11 to Baby Niamh/Noleen; declares open verdict. Minister for Justice Michael McDowell demands a full report from An Garda Siochana into its investigation of case. May convene public hearing. “There’s a terrible tragedy here one way or another, but I don’t want to engage in a futile inquiry. But if there is something that I believe can come to light as a result of a proper inquiry, I’m very happy to do it.” Owen considering civil suit against Gardai over handling of case. Picture.
ISRAEL
Jerusalem Post, February 18, 2007
Charity provides “First Hug” for abandoned babies
http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1170359887833&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull
JERUSALEM–Feature on First Hug, a nationwide organization of about 2500 volunteers that cares for children abandoned in hospitals. More than 50 babies a year are left by parents; many born with chronic illnesses or disabilities, or to parents who are unwilling or unable to care for them. First Hug volunteers give personal attention to each individual baby, create homey atmosphere for them at hospital, take them for walks, etc. Organization costs aren’t high, but funds needed. “Volunteers are like adopted mothers and we encourage them to write farewell letters to the babies telling them who they are so that the child will not wonder in years to come who looked after them while they were in hospital,” says First Hug director Tamar Schlezinger. Most babies eventually end up in shelters or foster care, and in some cases are too ill and don’t survive.
NAMIBIA
AllAfrica.com, February 19, 2997
Young mother dumps baby
http://allafrica.com/stories/200702200672.html
KATUTURA–2-day old girl Utani, left at Moria Grace Children’s Center. Shelter director says woman told her she would kill the baby if she kept it because she didn’t know that the father was married. Shelter has close to 500 orphans and needs of supplies. Will move to new facility soon.
NIGERIA
(Ibadan) Nigerian Times,, February 19, 2007
Tales of abandoned babies
http://www.tribune.com.ng/19022007/s_south_feat.html
BENIN CITY–Tales of abandoned baby problem in Edo State; some parents recklessly abandoned babies in streets, others take them to orphanages and beg workers to take them; some women give birth at orphanages. Features Princess (Dr.) Kae Oronsaye, now in her eighties who began working with abandoned babies when she was 18. Takes care of children herself because she has had bad experiences with adoption. Orphanages throughout the state refuse to give out information on children or release pictures because in the past unscrupulous individuals have used such information to run scams. Picture.
PHILIPPINES
Catanduanes Tribune, February 14, 2007
Lovers leave baby for dead in chapel
http://www.catanduanestribune.com/Feb-14-2007/News/Detail.aspx?newsID=2414
VIRAC–Couple leaves leave newborn in plastic bag near chapel beside Immaculate Conception Academy. By time he is found he’s dead. Parents believed to be students.
QATAR
The Peninsula, February 21, 2007
Maid accused of killing her newborn
DOHA–East Indian maid accused of killing newborn; another maid claims she heard it scream at birth, informed the sponsor and police were called. Accused says she was molested by security guard who was charged but acquitted of attack.
SOUTH AFRICA
iol.com, February 20, 2007
Abandoned baby found in Benoni
http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?set_id=1&click_id=15&art_id=iol1171918538283B265
BENONI–Infant girl found abandoned in box with neatly written note, “Please adopt me.” In stable condition at hospital. Picture.
***CONFERENCES***
American Adoption Conference, Boston, March 6-11, 2007
http://www.americanadoptioncongress.org/home.htm
March 7, 2007, 1:45=3:00 PM: Putative father registries and safe haven laws presented by Erik L. Smith and Marley Greiner
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