BABY DUMP NEWS, September 5, 2007–v7 #36
September 5, 2007 – 9:18 am
BABY DUMP NEWS:
A WEEKLY E-CHRONICLE OF NEWBORN ABANDONMENT
INFANTICIDE,
SAFE HAVEN LEGISLATION
AND RELATED ISSUES
September 5, 2007–v7 #36
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 and www.myspace.com/maddogmarley
STILL CATCHING UP!
***THIS WEEK***
ALABAMA–Marsha Gossett Colby convicted of capital murder; no parole
CALIFORNIA–Murder charge dismissed; Holly Ashcraft faces involuntary manslaughter charge
NEBRASKA–Newborn left in hospital restroom; leggies demand SH law
TEXAS–Charges dropped against Wendy Gill; sheriff baffled
SASKATCHEWAN–Wal-Mart manager gets safety award
SOUTH AFRICA–Park security finds abandoned baby
…and more
***STATES***
ALABAMA
Mobile Press Register, August 29, 2007
Tape: Colby denied being pregnant
http://www.al.com/news/mobileregister/index.ssf?/base/news/1188378909109170.xml&coll=3
BAY MINETTE–Update on Marsha Gossett Colby case (BDN v5 #7, 9, 11, 26; v6 #15, 19, 21, 35). Colby’s mother testifies that she doesn’t remember Colby’s response when she asked her for the 6th time if she were pregnant, but in taped interview with police 2 years ago, Gossett says Colby confirmed pregnancy.
Mobile Press-Register, September 2, 2007
Jury finds Orange Beach mother guilty of capital murder
http://www.al.com/news/mobileregister/index.ssf?/base/news/118846544874830.xml&coll=3
BAY MINETTE–After 1 hour of deliberation Colby convicted of capital murder and sentenced to life in prison. No chance of parole but has automatic appeal under Alabama law.
CALIFORNIA
KCAL-TV, Los Angeles, August 30, 2007
Ashcraft faces manslaughter in dead baby drama
http://cbs2.com/local/local_story_242164915.html
LOS ANGELES–Update on Holly Ashcraft case (BDN v5 #42, 44-45, 46-47; v6 #3. 7, 39, 40, 48; v7 #3, 6, 7, 10-11, 13, 23, 34, 35). LA Superior Court judge Samuel Mayerson upholds previous 2 murder charge dismissals and orders Ashcraft to stand trial on reduced charge of involuntary manslaughter. (3rd dismissal of murder charge). $200,000 bond continued.
KHTS-AM, Santa Clarita, September 5, 2007
Newborn baby surrendered at Henry Mayo
http://www.hometownstation.com/safe-surrender-mayo-2007-09-05-05-02.html
SANTA CLARITA–Newborn girl SH at Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital on Sept. 4. LA County Supervisor Michael Antonovich issues statement praising act. Hospital spokesperson Andie Bogdan says program is “a blessing for everybody involved.”
COLORADO
KJCT-TV, Colorado Springs, August 31, 2007
Teen gets more time to enter plea in newborn’s death
http://kjct8.com/Global/story.asp?S=7012227
GRAND JUNCTION–Update on Cheyenne Corbett case (BDN v6 # 31, 32, 33; v7 #1, 9). Corbett gets 1-month continuance to decide plea. Public defender entered not guilty plea in February but Corbett withdrew it in June.
FLORIDA
Orlando Sentinel, August 30, 2007
Deputies have some leads on mom who left baby at fire station
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/orl-babyleft3007aug30,0,2180768.story?coll=orl-biznews-headlines
APOPKA–Update on 8 1/2 month SH case (BDN v7 #35). Sheriff deputies say they may have leads on location of mother. Child advocates hail actions of mother, even though she was out of compliance with law and baby was well-kempt and apparently in no danger. “I think it was pretty courageous that she recognized that somebody could take care of the baby better than her,” says Scott Lindeman, Orange County coordinator of Safe Haven for Newborns. “The baby is alive today because [the mother] is very brave,” says Nick Silverio. Says Safe Place for Newborns gets many calls from “desperate parents” including one woman who wanted them to take her 12-year old. Silverio says that widening SH to include older children would be “disastrous”…would open the floodgates.” Includes story of Baby Hope Gloria Lewis (BDN v3 #25, v5 #51. v6 #8, 21), handed over to firefighters on Father’s Day 2003. Within 20 minutes adoption agent arrived. Weeks later, birthmother sent embroidered book containing letters to the child. Comments.
Orlando Sentinel, September 1, 2007
Deputies won’t arrest teen who gave up baby
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/orange/orl-babyleft0107sep01,0,1120094.story
APOPKA–Mother located in Highlands County with older sister. Case will be forwarded to prosecutor for review. Won’t be prosecuted if found that fire station was safest option at time. During interview, mother acknowledged that she knew leaving baby with firefighters was against the law. Age of mother now clarified as 16. Nick Silverio admits that in practice some babies over the age of 3 days have been SH. Child welfare personnel say DCF or child placing agencies are equipped to handle surrenders. Comments.
GEORGIA
Athens Banner-Herald, September 1, 2007
Once abandoned, boy now thriving
http://www.onlineathens.com/stories/090107/news_20070901068.shtml
ATHENS–Update on storage room case (BDN v6, #36, 37). Baby now known as Tyler, celebrates 1st birthday with foster family who hopes to adopt him. Mother Gloria Contreras, 17, charged with child cruelty and abandonment scheduled to stand trial on Oct. 22. Picture.
MARYLAND
Delmarva Daily Times, September 2, 2007
Hearing delayed in OC fetus death
http://www.delmarvanow.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070901/NEWS01/709010328/1002
OCEAN CITY–Update on Christy Freeman case (BDN v7 #31, 32, 22). Prelim pushed back to Oct 4 following motion by Worcester County state’s attorney; defense objects.
MASSACHUSETTS
Northamptonist, August 21, 2007
Cooley Dickinson Hospital posts “Baby Safe Haven” signs
http://northamptonist.blogspot.com/2007/08/baby-safe-haven-cooley-dickenson.html
NORTHHAMPTON–Cooley-Dickinson Hospital now has BSH signs in parking lot and nearby street. Review of law. Pictures.
MISSOURI
Kansas City Star, August 28, 2007
Woman tries to flush newborn down toilet at McDonald’s restroom, police say
http://www.kansascity.com/115/story/251665.html
KANSAS CITY–Update on McDonald’s case (BDN v7 #35). Details of case. While working at drive-thru window unnamed woman appeared to be in pain and went to restroom. After 15 minutes employees found her bleeding severely, saying the thought she’d had miscarriage. Baby estimated to be 32 weeks of gestation, and mother taken to separate hospitals; baby suffered no injuries.
NEBRASKA
KETV-TV, Omaha, September 4, 2007
Baby left at Omaha hospital doing great
http://www.ketv.com/news/14044021/detail.html
OMAHA–Newborn in basket left in restroom at Bergan Mercy Hospital over weekend, in good condition. Sen. Arnie Stuthman says SH needed.
WOWT-TV, Omaha, September 4, 2007
Infant renews safe haven debate
http://www.wowt.com/news/headlines/9572137.html
OMAHA–Bergan Mercy case renews debate on SH. SH bill sponsor Sen. Steve Lathrop says “The idea behind a safe haven bill is to allow an opportunity for these children to go from birth to people that can provide the proper care.” April Blevins with the Nebraska Adoption Agencies Association opposes SH. “Even if we had safe haven we are still going to have baby abandonment issues….We are going to encourage unsafe delivery episodes where she knows it’s okay to deliver at home and then she can abandon the baby later instead of delivering the baby at the hospital.” Picture.
Omaha World-Herald, September 4, 2007
Note asked for good home for abandoned baby
http://www.omaha.com/index.php?u_page=2798&u_sid=10123540
OMAHA–Note tucked inside wicker basket that held baby asked that someone provide good home. Police ask for public’s help in locating mother.
Omaha World-Herald, September 5, 2007
Mother who abandoned infant won’t be charged
http://www.omaha.com/index.php?u_page=2835&u_sid=10124558
OMAHA–Unidentified mother 18, located. Says she intended to bring baby to maternity ward but lost her nerve.Thought NE had SH law. Picture.
Action 3 News, Omaha, September 5, 2007
What happens to mother, abandoned baby now?
http://action3news.com/Global/story.asp?S=7031799
OMAHA–Douglas County Attorney says though mother could have handled situation differently, she didn’t commit any crime and won’t be prosecuted. Karen Authier, director of Nebraska Children’s Home says mothers have options other than abandoning. “They can put baby in a loving home until the young woman makes up her mind and not feel any pressure.”
NEW JERSEY
Manchester Times, September 4, 2007
33 babies have been given up under state’s safe haven program
http://manchestertimes.micromediapubs.com/news/2007/0904/Front_Page/078.html
MANCHESTER—-Michele E. Lardiero of Community Medical Center’s Center for Kids and Family addresses Ocean County Board of Freeholders on SH at bi-monthly meeting. 33 SH cases in NJ, including 10 this year, though none in Ocean County. 27 unsafely abandoned Wants to blanket county with SH information–in bathroom and schools. Promotional material provided to chambers of commerce, supermarkets, businesses and libraries to target girls and women 12-45. Says teens who suddenly find themselves pregnant with no access to health care or strong family need a program like SH.
NEW YORK
Flint Journal, August 30, 2007
Baby’s death an accident, attorney for local woman says after indictment
http://blog.mlive.com/flintjournal/newsnow/2007/08/babys_death_an_accident_attorn.html
FLINT TWN (MI)–Update on Andrea Kline case (BDN v7 #6, 7, 17). Jefferson County, NY grand jury indicts Kline for 2nd degree criminally negligent homicide, tampering with physical evidence, and endangering welfare of child. Has been free on bond in Michigan; claims death, which happened in NY while visiting boyfriend, was accident.
PENNSYLVANIA
The Oakland Press (MI) September 1, 2007
Death of newborn ruled homicide
http://www.theoaklandpress.com/stories/090107/loc_20070901159.shtml
ERIE–Teri Rhodes, 18, from Detroit area, under investigation by Erie police after authorities on August 12 discovered dead newborn in her Mercyhurst College dorm room. Autopsy confirms infant was full term and died of asphyxiation; unclear if asphyxiation happened because baby was put in plastic bag or was smothered. No charges filed yet.
TEXAS
McAllen Monitor, September 4, 2007
Murder charges to be dropped against teen accused of killing her newborn
http://www.themonitor.com/news/gill_4903___article.html/guerra_case.html
RAYMONDVILLE–Update on Wendy Gill case (BDN v7 #23, 24). Justice of Peace dismisses charges against Gill after prosecutor Juan Angel Guerra requests charges be dropped and then fails to appear at scheduled hearing. Guerra says law did not require him to be in court and that case will be presented to a grand jury later. Guerra earlier requested charges be dismissed and wanted $1 million bond reduced to $5,000. Willacy County Sheriff Larry Spence baffled by dismissal; says that Gill confessed she smothered baby.
Tyler Morning Telegraph, September 5, 2007
“Baby Moses” targets safety of newborns
http://www.tylerpaper.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070905/NEWS01/709040332
TYLER–The Children’s Advocacy Center of Smith County working to promote Baby Moses law, orders 25 “Safe Baby Site” signs in English and Spanish from Baby Moses Foundation. Trains fire personnel in procedures. Parents can reclaim children but must “follow the state’s regular adoption process to show they are able to care for the child.” Rep. Geanie Morrison on hand for event,says one of her best friends adopted a SH baby 6 years ago. “It feels good to able to watch him grow up.” More than 50 SH cases in state. Pictures.
***CANADA***
SASKATCHEWAN
Regina Leader-Post, August 31, 2007
Finding the right balance
REGINA–Commentary on various abandonment cases and the decision to prosecute or not.
Saskatoon Star-Phoenix, September 1, 2007
Wal-Mart manager honored for helping abandoned baby
PRINCE ALBERT–Update on Wal-Mart case (BDN v7 #21, 22, 35). Store manager Chad Fisher given First Aid and Water Safely Services Rescuer Award for his efforts in helping baby abandoned in store washroom. While ass’t manager called 911, Fisher cleaned baby’s airway, wrapped him in towel, and massaged his chest until paramedics arrived. One of only 3-4 people each year to get award in province.
***INTERNATIONAL***
BULGARIA
FOCUS Information Agency, August 30, 2006
Baby found dead in bathroom in Brestovitsa
http://www.focus-fen.net/index.php?id=n120743
BRESTPVITSA–Newborn found dead in bathroom; no trauma found in early investigation. Unnamed mother 33, lied about pregnancy.
ENGLAND
24 Hour Museum.org, September 5, 2007
British Library digitisation competition – winners revealed
http://www.24hourmuseum.org.uk/nwh_gfx_en/ART50297.html
LONDON–British Library announces winners of Hidden Treasures competition to digitize selected historical records and make them available online. Although it didn’t win, the Foundling Hospital’s Billet book c. 1760, an admissions book recording details of abandoned babies was “highly commended.”
The Guardian, September 5, 2007
Foundling show a long time coming
http://arts.guardian.co.uk/art/news/story/0,,2162652,00.html
LONDON–First contemporary art show in almost 250 years at Foundling Museum .Installation features work of 15 artists inspired by museum’s history, including Iranian-born artist Zory whose work “Where Are They” which consists of replicas of keepsakes given to the children by their mothers, suspended from curtain of plaited hair.
INDIA
Express India, September 4, 2007
Baby found dead in Andheri, another survives in garbage bin
http://cities.expressindia.com/local-news/fullstory.php?newsid=254563#
ANDHERI–Body of 1 1/2 year old girl found in bushes behind garden; live newborn found in garbage bin.
Express India, September 4, 2007
Mother strangles newborn
http://cities.expressindia.com/local-news/fullstory.php?newsid=254662
NOIDA–Radha Mishra, charged with strangling newborn girl shortly after birth at ESH Hospital. “The hospital authorities killed the baby because we are not capable of paying them any money,” accuses husband. Hospital says charge is absurd since it’s a government hospital that offers free care for all. Couple has 2 girls and a boy; Radha said in-laws might not accept 3rd girl.
NAMIBIA
All Africa: The Namibian, September 3, 2007
Woman arrested for murder
http://allafrica.com/stories/200709030749.html
ONDANGWA–Unnamed woman 21, arrested for murder after allegedly dumping newborn baby in bush; parents called police when they noticed she was no longer visibly pregnant. Another unnamed woman 26, from Oshamba village arrested on similar murder charge Her parents also informed police. Both claim babies were stillborn
PHILIPPINES
Sun Star, September 3, 2007
Newborn survives infanticide
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/ilo/2007/09/03/news/newborn.survives.infanticide.html
GUSTILO, LA PAZ, ILOLO CITY–Newborn girl found inside basket floating in swampy area. Witnesses say they saw woman, believed to be mother, leaving area. Baby in care of Dept. of Social Welfare and Development.
SOUTH AFRICA
The Citizen, August 30, 2007
Alert security guard saves dumped baby
http://www.citizen.co.za/index/article.aspx?pDesc=46858,1,22
JOHANNESBURG–Pieter Roos Park security guard finds week-old baby; paramedics at nearby gas station rush it to hospital. Guard says he was closing park when a couple asked him to wait a few more minutes. Suspicious, he kept close watch on them, and observed them leave something on ground just before leaving.
The Soweatan, August 30, 2007
Mom dad argue, baby dumped
http://www.sowetan.co.za/News/Article.aspx?id=551140
NHLAMBANYATI–Parents argue and mother leaves 3-day old baby on street claiming argument gave her no choice.
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