BABY DUMP NEWS, May 2, 2007–v7 #17-18
May 2, 2007 – 12:53 pm
BABY DUMP NEWS:
A WEEKLY E-CHRONICLE OF NEWBORN ABANDONMENT
INFANTICIDE,
SAFE HAVEN LEGISLATION
AND RELATED ISSUES
May 2, 2007–v7 #17-18
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
THANKS: Rebecca
***THIS WEEK***
ARIZONA–Mother of 3 charged with 1st degree murder
CALIFORNIA–3fer in LA County
HAWAI’I–Legislature tries again
NEW YORK–Jose Ventura convicted
CANADA–Ontario should look as SH laws
JAPAN–Baby post tested
…and more!
***STATES***
ALABAMA
Decatur Daily, April 25, 2007
DNA shows found newborn was Hispanic
http://www.decaturdaily.com/decaturdaily/news/070425/dna.shtml
MONTGOMERY–Update on Gas Depot case (BDN v6 #36, 37, 38, 39). DNA evidence recently returned suggests mother was Hispanic: intermixture of Native American and European. Father is probably Hispanic. Police plan to focus investigation on Hispanic areas of Montgomery. Rewards up to $15,000 offered.
ARIZONA
(Phoenix) Arizona Republic, April 29, 2007
Mom arrested after leaving newborn in dumpster
http://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/0429deadbaby0429-ON.html
SCOTTSDALE–Cynthia Tureman, 28, mother of 3 other children, accused of dumping newborn in gas station trash bin; autopsy pending. Charged with 1st degree murder. Says she gave birth in bathtub at home, but owner of a Scottsdale stereo shop where her husband was having work done, found a bloody mass of afterbirth in store’s bathroom. Husband says wife wasn’t pregnant. Picture.
KTAR-TV, May 1, 2007
Abandoned newborn sharpens focus on state law
http://ktar.com/?nid=6&sid=467373
SCOTTSDALE–Short piece on AZ SH law.
CALIFORNIA
KGET-TV, Bakersfield, April 19, 2007
Teen sentenced to mental institute for newborn’s death
http://www.kget.com/news/local/story.aspx?content_id=2e4b3921-8e96-4199-8989-df724736f246
BAKERSFIELD–Update on Pardeep Takhar case (BDN v5 #48, 50; v6 #4). Takhar, 19, pleads no contest; sentenced to mental institution for evaluation.
KSBY-TV, San Luis Obispo, April 23, 2007
Woman arrested after police say she gave birth, abandoned baby on street corner
http://www.ksby.com/Global/story.asp?S=6412335
SAN FRANCISCO–Woman gives birth on street and walks away; mother appears to be mentally ill Baby placed in CPS custody.
KNBC-TV, Los Angeles, April 24, 2007
Newborn left at West Covina fire station under Safe Surrender law
http://www.nbc4.tv/news/12995232/detail.html
WEST COVINA–Newborn girl left at West Covina fire station; 56th SH in LA County.
KCAL-TV, Los Angeles, April 27, 2007
2 babies surrendered to LA County this week
http://cbs2.com/topstories/local_story_117160113.html
LOS ANGELES–Newborn girl surrendered to Good Samaritan Hospital 10th in LA County this year.
KCAL-TV, Los Angeles, May 1, 2007
Newborn baby girl surrendered in Bellflower
http://cbs2.com/local/local_story_121191848.html
BELLFLOWER–Newborn girl turned over at Kaiser Permanente. 11th SH this year in LA County. “I am always thrilled by news of a surrender,” says LA County Supervisor Don Knabe. “This little girl has a healthy life ahead of her, and she is truly a testament to the success and importance of the Safe Surrender Program.
COLORADO
Denver Post, April 27, 2007
Baby stillborn, murder charges dropped
http://test.denverpost.com/lacrosse/ci_5765934
GRAND JUNCTION–Update on Addie Kubisiak case (BDN v7 #6). Murder charges against Kubisiak dropped after coroner rules baby was stillborn. Still charged with concealing a death.
CONNECTICUT
Norwich Bulletin, April 20, 2007
Law provides Safe Havens to leave babies
http://www.norwichbulletin.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070420/NEWS01/70420005
NORWICH–Feature on SH preparedness in SE CT. CT. Dept. of Children and Families will distribute 64,000 SH pamphlets to cities, towns, middle and high schools. Local officials will have discretion on how to distribute them.
Middletown Press, April 28, 2007
Controversy continues over Clinton’s Baby X
http://www.middletownpress.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=18274172&BRD=1645&PAG=461&dept_id=571448&rfi=6
CLINTON–Feature on 1975 Baby X case. Case re-opened in 2003; police believe they have located “Mother X” but prosecutor refuses to sign warrant. Town of Clinton, where murder took place, shut down to protect mother, but lately people have come forward.
GEORGIA
Atlanta Journal-Constitution, April 25, 2007
Newborn’s death called murder
http://www.ajc.com/metro/content/metro/northfulton/stories/2007/04/25/0425babydeath.html
SANDY SPRINGS–Update on townhome case. (BDN v7 #10-11, 12, 13, 14). Police announce they are treating case as homicide; baby born alive.
HAWAI’I
Honolulu Advertiser, April 22, 2007
Lawmakers considering “safe haven” for newborns
http://the.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/2007/Apr/22/br/br5241960837.html
HONOLULU–Lawmakers once more try SH bill. “This bill may have an unintended consequence of encouraging parental irresponsibility,” says Linda Smith, Gov. Lingle’s senior policy adviser in written testimony. “Enactment of this bill may encourage those mothers to abandon their children rather than seeking help from the birth fathers, their families, and other supportive resources.” Rep. Corrine Ching, argues that bill would only help teens avoid consequences of unintended pregnancy and make it difficult for abandoned children to ever find their birthparents. “Children of people who would have gone to mom or dad instead will use this to avoid the repercussions of having a child. Once it’s done, there’s no way to find the baby again.” Jane Greenwood, a Honolulu paramedic, says SH would help girls who don’t now where else to turn. Uses example of 12-year old who as raped and a mentally ill mother who didn’t feed or keep her child warm after delivery.
KANSAS
Kansas City Star, April 28, 2007
After 3 years, mystery of baby’s death unsolved
http://www.kansascity.com/115/story/87045.html
KANSAS CITY–Update on KC Power & Light/Precious Joe case (BDN v4 #19, 20; v5 #). 3 year case still open.
MARYLAND
Baltimore Times, April 20, 2007`
Safe Haven summit held at Anne Arundel Community College
http://www.btimes.com/News/article/article.asp?NewsID=78015&sID=4
ANNAPOLIS–Dept. of Human Services,, Junior League of Annapolis,, and National Safe Haven Alliance holds safe haven “summit” with Tim Jaccard. Policy analysis Keisha Parris-Edusei, says every single mother or potential mother should know about law. About 80 attend.
Hagerstown Herald-Mail, April 25, 2007
Woman who abandoned baby asks for reduction in sentence
http://www.herald-mail.com/?module=displaystory&story_id=164062&format=html
HAGERSTOWN–Update on Kelly Ruck case (BDN v5 #38, 39, 40, 44-45; v6 #16, 18, 22, 29) Ruck goes back to court for modification hearing to reduce sentence. Baby in custody of father, Scott Rohrbaugh who says he takes child to visit Ruck every Sunday in prison. Ruck is on anti-depression medication. Decision will be made later. Picture.
MASSACHUSETTS
Springfield Republican, April 19, 2007
Council OK’s free-cash funds
http://www.masslive.com/hampfrank/republican/index.ssf?/base/news-9/117696944932870.xml&coll=1
HOLYOKE–Council adopts order calling for “Baby Safe Haven” signs placed at police and fire stations.
MICHIGAN
Detroit Free Press, April 25, 2007
Westland woman charged for abandoning newborn
http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070425/NEWS02/70425032/1051/SPORTS03
WESTLAND–Valeeka Gartrell, 27 charged with assault with intent to commit murder for putting newborn baby in garbage bag and leaving it in garage. Gartrell taken to hospital when she complained of bleeding. Gartrell’s stepfather later found baby. Picture. Comments.
MINNESOTA
Hutchinson Leader, April 24, 2007
Editorial: Safe haven for moms, babies
http://www.hutchinsonleader.com/node/2184
HUTCHINSON–Standard editorial in support of SH.Comments.
Rochester Post-Bulletin,May 2, 2007
Search continues in waters where baby found
http://www.postbulletin.com/newsmanager/templates/localnews_story.asp?z=2&a=292534
RED WING–Update on Treasure Island marina case (BDN v7 #13, 14). Goodhue County authorities plan to send boats out to search water where body was found. Spring flooding had prevented them from doing so earlier. Community forum on infant abandonment planned at Red Wing Public Library to raise awareness of programs for pregnant women.
NEW JERSEY
Cape May Herald, April 25, 2007
“Safe Haven” accepts babies without query
CAPE MAY–County waiting to confirm it has received $10,000 grant from DCFS to promote SH. Initial promotional thrust was to high school and college-age women but now they want to promote to single mothers with children.
WCSH-TV, Augusta (ME), April 26, 2007
Father who raped daughter, forced her to kill newborn gets 35 years
http://www.wcsh6.com/news/article.aspx?storyid=58829
WEST NEW YORK–Update on Lucila Ventura/Jose Julio Ventura case (BDN v5 #38, 39, v6 #14, 50). Jose Ventura pleads guilty to aggravated manslaughter, aggravated assault and 2 counts of aggravated sexual assault. Raped teenage daughter Lucila over several years and forced her to throw 2 newborns he had fathered down air shaft. One survived. Jose says he didn’t view Lucila as his daughter and claimed she seduced him. Lucila claimed she was “attracted” to him and provoked him “until he gave in.” Statements later became accusatory. Psychological evaluation indicates Ventura has “extremely low intellectual aptitude.” Lucila described as “borderline retarded.”
Manchester Times, May 1, 2007
Ocean County to help in safe haven outreach
http://manchestertimes.micromediapubs.com/news/2007/0501/Front_page/077.html
OCEAN COUNTY–Ocean County DHS, Center for Kids, and Family’s at Community Medical Center plan to apply for $10.000 state grant to support SH to fund educational sessions throughout county; provide material at health fairs and establish a community working group to maintain the outreach effort.
Jersey City Journal, May 1, 2007
Mom jailed
http://www.nj.com/news/jjournal/index.ssf?/base/news-2/1178044806204380.xml&coll=3
BAYONNE–Rocio Leon, 19, charged with murdering newborn girl found in plastic storage container at her home. Autopsy indicates baby was strangled and suffered from head and chest trauma, and a broken hand. Leon has 20 month old daughter; hid this pregnancy from family.
NEW MEXICO
Albuquerque Tribune, April 28, 2007
Blood counts normal for Kailee
http://www.abqtrib.com/news/2007/apr/28/blood-counts-normal-kailee/
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 #1,8 ). Kailee’s blood count in normal range; first time without aid of blood transfusions in 5 years. Family cautiously optimistic.
NEW YORK
Flint (MI) Journal, May 1, 2007
Discaaarded baby case awaits data
http://www.mlive.com/news/flintjournal/index.ssf?/base/news-43/117803826275250.xml&coll=5
FLINT TWN–Update on Andrea Kline case (BDN v7 #6, 7). Investigation still underway; case hasn’t yet gone to grand jury. Defense says it’s waiting for medical records. Claims injuries and death occurred when Kline went into sudden labor and tried to pull baby out; boyfriend was showering in hotel room.
NORTH CAROLINA
WRAL-TV, Raleigh, April 25, 2007
Woman pleads guilty to leaving newborn at McDonald’s
http://www.wral.com/news/local/story/1289490/
RALEIGH–Update on Michelle Richardson case (BDN v6 #49, 5;v7 #4 ). Richardson pleads guilty to misdemeanor child abuse for abandoning newborn at McDonald’s; ordered to complete parenting classes and therapy. Claims she tried to SH baby but fire station was closed. Picture. Over 100 comments–none of them nice.
TEXAS
KWTX-TV, Waco, April 20, 2007
Police find body of newborn in Central Texas motel room
http://www.kwtx.com/home/headlines/7119526.html
MARLIN–Police investigate death of newborn found at Relax Inn; mother called 911 to report stomach pains. Body found when hospital determined she’d recently given birth.
Houston Chronicle, April 20, 2007
Needville woman takes deal in infant’s death
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/metropolitan/4735816.html
RICHMOND–Update on Chelcey Pollock case (BDN v6 #10, 14, 15; v7 #13). Pollock, 21, makes plea bargain; receives 10 years probation on 2nd degree felony injury to a child and 4 months in jail for abuse of a corpse. Claimed she hid pregnancy but wanted to put baby up for adoption. Cause of death inconclusive.
***CANADA***
ONTARIO
North Bay Nugget, April 24, 2007
Letter: Programs offer alternatives to abandoning infant
http://www.nugget.ca/webapp/sitepages/content.asp?contentid=499685&catname=Editorial&classif=
NORTH BAY–Letter from Judy Bailey, Fenelson Falls, suggesting that Canadian officials look into US SH programs.
******
INTERNATIONAL
BOSNIA and HERZEGOVINA
Javno.com, May 2007
A three day old baby was found abandoned in Brcko
http://www.javno.com/en/world/clanak.php?id=38902
BRCKO–Few-day old boy found hidden close to health center with extra diaper, bottles and food. Picture.
INDIA
Express India, April 27, 2007
Left to die and almost killed by dogs, newborn girl finds new home
http://cities.expressindia.com/fullstory.php?newsid=233692
NEW DELHI–Kalpana Pathak, saves 2-day old abandoned baby saved from dogs. Baby now living with Pathak’s family and her brother and his wife, both doctors, intend to adopt her.
JAMAICA
The Jamaica Observer, April 21, 2007
Search still on for mother of baby found in latrine
FALMOUTH, TRELAWNY–Police search for mother who left newborn in pit latrine at Compound, a poor community.
The Jamaica Observer, April 24, 2007
Woman accused of abandoning newborn in pit turns self in
FALMOURH, TRELAWNY–Unidentified woman turns self in; under guard at hospital.
JAPAN
Mainichi Daily, April 19, 2007
Elderly lady finds dead newborn girl near front door
http://mdn.mainichi-msn.co.jp/national/news/20070419p2a00m0na009000c.html
YOKOHAMA–87-year old woman finds newborn’s body near front door at home; no external injuries found.
Mainichi Daily, May 1, 2007
Japanese hospital tests first “baby hatch”
http://mdn.mainichi-msn.co.jp/national/news/20070501p2a00m0na023000c.html
KUMAMOTO–Baby hatch–Akachan Posuto: Konotori no Yurikakgo (Baby Postbox: Stork’s Cradle)– at Jikei Hospital finished and tested. When hatch is opened, a sensor activates and alerts hospital staff with buzzer. Camera also sends imagines of baby to a monitor. Hatch won’t re-open. Officials consider putting letter addressed to mother on the bed containing a marking that only she and hospital would know.
MALTA
Malta Star, May 1, 2007
Life of an “illegitimate child”
http://www.maltastar.com/pages/msFullArt.asp?an=11749
Feature on Josephine Gaffiero, left at convent as newborn 51 years ago; birth family family emigrated to Austrailia to escape stigma; mother had 7 other children. Adopted 5 years later by British family who took her back to England. “The hypocrisy of a devout Catholic family dumping their child while insisting on it being reared as a Catholic still confuses me.” Gaffiero writes. “My life has been difficult…knowing I was unwanted by my natural mother, being treated as a commodity by my adoptive parents…being sexually abused by a family friend and by a teacher at secondary school. feeling that I was not really British, and conflicts at home and at convent school because I rebelled against the double standards of a Catholic regime. Found birthmother but did not have good reunion. Has changed her name to her mother’s Maltese name and taken Maltese citizenship. Picture.
NAMIBIA
Windhoek Namibiam, April 20, 2007
Lonely birth of baby born of incest described in court
http://www.namibian.com.na/2007/April/national/078A6A7856.html
OSHAKATI—-Vistolina Ekandjo Uupindi, 29, pleads not guilty to murder in death of newborn boy in April 2003. Had affair with brother. Thought baby died an hour after birth; tied scarf around his neck and buried him. Admits she buried body to conceal death.
AllAfrica.com, April 25, 2007
Five years for baby’s murder
http://allafrica.com/stories/200704250800.html
OSHAKATI–Vistolina Ekandjo Uupindi, convicted of murder; gets 7 years with 2 suspended. Also convicted of concealing birth.
***FILM***
Folsom News Blaze, April 19, 2007
Stephanie Daley Film Review
http://newsblaze.com/story/20070419100236tsop.nb/newsblaze/TOPSTORY/Top-Stories.html
FOLSOM–Review of new film staring Tilda Swinton, Timothy Hutton and Amber Tamblyn about a teenager who denied her pregnancy accused of killing newborn. “Then, in a series of revealing flashbacks, we gradually learn the whole story of how the naive teen had been statutorily raped by an older boy and the role that her religious beliefs might have played in the inaction which inexorably led to the tragedy.”
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