BABY DUMP NEWS:

A WEEKLY E-CHRONICLE OF NEWBORN ABANDONMENT

INFANTICIDE,

SAFE HAVEN LEGISLATION

AND RELATED ISSUES

December 12. 2007, 2007–v7 #50

Distributed weekly by:

Marley Elizabeth Greiner, Executive Chair, Bastard Nation

maddogmarley@worldnet.att.net

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 and www.myspace.com/maddogmarley

ANNOUNCEMENT:

I have been traveling and am once more attempting to catch up

***THIS WEEK***

CALIFORNIA–Murder charges thrown out 4th time

NEBRASKA–Montana Sanwick granted custody

CZECH REPUBLIC–Homeless man finds baby

…and more!

***STATES***

CALIFORNIA

KNBC-TV, Los Angeles, December 6, 2007

Murder charge dismissed again against USC student in newborn death

http://www.knbc.com/news/14792012/detail.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, 36, 46). For 4th time, murder charge against Ashcraft dropped. Still faces charges of involuntary manslaughter and child abuse in Oct. 2006 death of newborn. Picture.

10 News, December 11, 2007

County extends infant safe-surrender sites

http://www.10news.com/news/14826301/detail.html

SAN DIEGO–San Diego County fire stations added to drop-off sites. 182 SH cases in state since 2001.

CBS2, December 12, 2007

Mother acquitted in newborn’s death

http://cbs2.com/local/Leticia.Castro.Catalina.2.609677.html

LONG BEACH–Update on Leticia Castro case (BDN v5 #19). Castro, 30, acquitted of murder and assault charges; jury deadlocked on involuntary manslaughter charge. Accused of giving birth in bathroom of Catalina express boat and disposing of baby’s body in trash.

NEBRASKA

WOWT-TV, Omaha, December 12, 2007

Mom who abandoned baby awarded custody

http://www.wowt.com/news/headlines/12449151.html

OMAHA–Update on Montana Sanwick case. (BDN v7 #36, 37, 38, 39, 40,43 ). Sanwick regains custody of baby she left in hospital bathroom. Judge says Sanwick has been “completely compliant with a plan for reuniting the family. Baby’s father, Joshua Howe says family is relieved that case is settled. “Very happy with how things turned out even though it was upsetting at first. I think that I want everyone to understand that we’re a very safe and loving family and we look forward to moving on with the rest of our lives.

NORTH DAKOTA

Bismarck Tribune, December 6, 2007

Deegan will enter guilty plea in death of infant

http://www.bismarcktribune.com/articles/2007/12/06/news/local/143958.txt

FORT BERTHOLD RESERVATION–Update on Dana Deegan case. (BDN v7 #21). Deegan, 34, pleads down and enters 2nd degree murder guilty plea in 1999 death of newborn. Left baby home alone for 2 weeks after birth and found him dead when she returned. Left body in suitcase by side of road.

OHIO

The Youngstown State University Jambar, December 6, 2007

Female athletes conceal pregnancies, infant deaths

http://media.www.thejambar.com/media/storage/paper324/news/2007/12/06/TitleIxAndAthletePregnancy/Female.Athletes.Conceal.Pregnancies.Infant.Deaths-3137723.shtml

YOUNGSTOWN–Review of Teri Rhodes BDN v7 #36, 39) and Kathryn McCoy BDN v7 #43, 44, 45). cases. Wonders if their faith-based schools pressured them to hide pregnancies; and if scholarship status plays into issue. Youngstown State has support program for pregnant athletes.

Cleveland Plain Dealer, December 12, 2007

Mother surrenders newborn at Parma hospital

http://blog.Cleveland.com/metro/2007/12/_a_newborn_baby_was.html

PARMA–Newborn dropped off at Parma Community General Hospital; 2nd case since law went into effect in April 2001. No details. Comments.

***INTERNATIONAL***

AUSTRALIA

(Sydney) The Australian, December 4, 2007

Dead baby’s family may have asked for help

http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,22870224-12377,00.html

BELMONT NORTH–Update on roadside case (BDN V7 #49). Dept. of Community Services issues statement saying there were “no known reports about this baby.” No comments on siblings. Admits that family contacted agency for help in finding accommodations in Belmont area. Family didn’t call back. Housing Dept.says it had provided them with “substantial assistance” in past and referred them to DOS when they could offer no more.

(Sydney) The Australian, November 5, 2007

Dumped baby may have died in motel room

http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,22873723-12377,00.html

BELMONT NORTH–Officials believe infant may have died in motel during birth. Death being treated as “suspicious;” mother under guard at hospital, and autopsy pending.

ABC, December 5, 2007

“No indication” family of dumped baby was at risk

http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2007/12/05/2110617.htm?section=justin

BELMONT NORTH–Housing Dept. and Dept. of Community Services say there was no indication that family was at risk; unaware that woman was pregnant.

ABC, December 5, 2007

Dumped baby’s siblings under protection

http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2007/12/05/2110307.htm

NORTH BELMONT–4 siblings of baby found in field now in state care. Mother under police guard at hospital. Autopsy pending. Picture.

ABC, December 11, 2007

Mother charged with concealing dead baby’s body

http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2007/12/11/2114978.htm?section=justin

NORTH BELMONT–Unnamed mother, 33, charged with concealing birth via disposal of body; released on bond.

Sydney Daily Telegraph, December 6, 2007

Bloody details of baby’s family

http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/story/0,22049,22876608-5001021,00.html?from=mostpop

NORTH BELMONT–Pool of blood and bloody bedding found inside motel room. Police confirm that baby’s mother Kelly Norman, 33, and her partner Todd Boorer, were known to Dept. of Community Services and considered “frequent flyers” of public housing system. DOCS and Housing band together to “vilify parents,” blaming Boorer for not showing up for meeting with dept. Police claim, Boorer, who did not know Norman was pregnant, was arrested earlier this year for allegedly beating her.

CZECH REPUBLIC

Monster & Critics, December 11, 2007

Homeless man saves newborn baby from trash

http://news.monstersandcritics.com/europe/news/printer_1380827.php

PRAGUE–Homeless man finds newborn in plastic bag tossed in garbage. Infant in critical condition. Over last few years 9 newborns have been left in hospital baby boxes.

GERMANY

Der Spiegel, December 7, 2007

Merkel Concerned: German government concerned about infanticide

http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/0,1518,522046,00.html

PLAUEN–Bodies of 3 infant girls found; mother taken into custody. (found in article about filicide of 5 children.)

HONG KONG

The Age, November 11, 2007

Newborn thrown from HK high rise

http://news.theage.com.au/newborn-baby-thrown-from-hk-high-rise/20071211-1gha.html

HONG KONG–Newborn with cord attached thrown from high-rise; 14-year old mother held.

INDIA

The Times of India, December 9, 2007

Dumped kid has many takers

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Delhi/Dumped_kid_has_many_takers/articleshow/2607852.cms

GHAZIABAD–Hundreds of couples eager to adopt 5-day old male infant abandoned beside Delhi-Lucknow highway at Garhmukteswar. 50 formal adoption applications submitted.

The Indian Times, December 9, 2007

Abandoned infant finds new home, to be adopted

http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news/Abandoned-infant-finds-new-home-to-be-adopted/248363/

LUCKNOW–1-day old infant Naureen found near garbage dump adopted by Israr Ali Kahn,. Kahn took her to hospital for treatment; legalities to be finished soon.

IRELAND

Newsletter, December 6, 2007

Woman acquitted of strangling baby son

http://www.newsletter.co.uk/news/Woman-acquitted-of-strangling-baby.3564388.jp

FERMANAGH- Wendy Johnson, 34, acquitted of killing newborn after prosecution says it will no longer offer evidence against her.

BABY DUMP NEWS:

A WEEKLY E-CHRONICLE OF NEWBORN ABANDONMENT

INFANTICIDE,

SAFE HAVEN LEGISLATION

AND RELATED ISSUES

December 5, 2007, 2007–v7 #49

Distributed weekly by:

Marley Elizabeth Greiner, Executive Chair, Bastard Nation

maddogmarley@worldnet.att.net

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.

ANNOUNCEMENT:

I have been traveling and am once more attempting to catch up

READ: The Daily Bastardette, safe haven and adoption commentary,

http://bastardette.blogspot.com and www.myspace.com/maddogmarley

***THIS WEEK***

TENNESSEE–Liliana Sosa case thrown out

UTAH–USC rules plea can be withdrawn

INDIA–Stray dogs care for newborn

and more!

***STATES***

ARIZONA

Arizona Republic, November 28, 2007

Mesa woman arrested in death of baby

http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/local/articles/1128baby1128.html

MESA–Update on Tiffany Lee Hecker case (BDN v7 #48). Details. Hecker tells police she never took pregnancy test or sought pre-natal care, but thought she might be pregnant. ME rules death a homicide. Boyfriend, Jermaine Davidson, 19, not believed to be involved; doesn’t now why Hecker didn’t tell him anything. Hecker reportedly gave birth in Davidson’s bathroom, then called mother who she claims urged her to wrap baby in plastic bag and put him in trash. Retrieved baby 10 minutes later and mother took it and placenta to hospital.

FLORIDA

Charlotte Sun-Herald, November 29, 2007

Search begins for baby dumped in garbage

http://www.sun-herald.com/Newsheadline.cfm?headline=9428

SEBRING–Police investigate alleged baby dumping at landfill after receiving call from unnamed woman’s roommates who found evidence of birth in home. Mother, 24, claims baby was born dead and she put him in trash. 2-year old son taken into protective custody. Picture.

MASSACHUSETTS

Boston Globe, November 29, 2007

An appeal for Safe Haven

http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2007/11/29/an_appeal_for_safe_haven/

BOSTON–Singer/songwriter Renee Marcou, of Wilmington, visits radio stations to promote SH. Says Mike Morrisey invited her to be BSH spokesperson after seeing her interviewed on Wilmington Community Television where he works. “I’m happy the hotline has been such a success. It’s an amazing feeling to be involved with something that means so much.”

NEW MEXICO

KVIA-TV, El Paso (TX), November 30, 2007

Woman to stand trial in case of mummified baby

http://www.kvia.com/Global/story.asp?S=7434852&nav=AbC0

ALBUQUERQUE– Update on backpack case (BDN v6 #45). Genevieve Griego faces felony charges of tampering with evidence and failing to report a fetal death. Mummified body of newborn girl found in backpack in vacant house. No cause of death determined.

TENNESSEE

WKRN-TV, Nashville, December

Teen throws away newborn, murder charges dropped

http://wkrn.com/nashville/news/teen-throws-away-newborn-murder-charges-dropped/130809.htm

NASHVILLE–Update on Liliana Sosa case (BDN v7 #44).Murder charge dismissed after autopsy finds baby was stillborn. Picture.

UTAH

Salt Lake City Tribune, December 4, 2007

Girl who admitted homicide gets redo

http://www.sltrib.com/news/ci_7638624

SALT LAKE CITY–Update on “KM” case (BDN v7 #19). Utah Supreme Court rules “K,M, in 2002 a 15-year old girl who lawyers says has a learning disability, can withdraw her guilty plea to child abuse and homicide. Says she thought she was acknowledging only that she had neglected a “little body” by not calling for help after birth. Made original plea against parents’ wishes.

***INTERNATIONAL***

AUSTRALIA

Melborne Herald-Sun, December 5, 2007

Department helped family of dead newborn

http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,22873364-5005961,00.html

BELMONT NORTH–Newborn found dead in roadside field. Family checked into motel on Nov. 30; manager says woman did not look pregnant. Investigation pending.

ENGLAND

London Daily Telegraph, November 29, 2007

Jacqueline Wilson: The patron saint of lost children

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/arts/main.jhtml?xml=/arts/2007/11/29/bojac129.xml

LONDON–Feature on children’s author Jacqueline Wilson, recently named Foundling Fellow at the Foundling Museum. Picture.

London Financial Times, December 1, 2007

Good fellows and foundling fathers

http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/6c80a3ca-9fb3-11dc-8031-0000779fd2ac.html

LONDON–Long feature on Foundling Hospital and its history, including it’s ties to Hogarth, Handel, and Gainsborough.

INDIA

DNA, November 29, 2007

Dogs take care of abandoned newborn

http://www.dnaindia.com/report.asp?newsid=1136238

MUZAFFRANGAR–Stray dogs look after newborn abandoned girl until she can be rescued and sent to hospital.

SOUTH AFRICA

IOL, November 29, 2009

Dead baby thrown into waste truck

http://www.int.iol.co.za/index.php?set_id=1&click_id=15&art_id=nw20071129092915395C150180

KWAZULU-NATAL–Dead newborn found in bag at landfill; open inquest on docket.

BABY DUMP NEWS:

A WEEKLY E-CHRONICLE OF NEWBORN ABANDONMENT

INFANTICIDE,

SAFE HAVEN LEGISLATION

AND RELATED ISSUES

November 28, 2007–v7 #48

Distributed weekly by:

Marley Elizabeth Greiner, Executive Chair, Bastard Nation

maddogmarley@worldnet.att.net

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 and www.myspace.com/maddogmarley

ANNOUNCEMENT:

I have been traveling and am once more attempting to catch up

***THIS WEEK***

ARIZONA–Woman arrested in death of newborn

PENNSYLVANIA–Grandmother charged in abandonment case

YEMEN–Abandoned childrens’ rights

….and more!

***STATES***

ARIZONA

Fox News, November 27, 2007

Arizona woman arrested as suspect in drowning death of newborn son in toilet

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,313323,00.html

MESA–Tiffany Lee Hecker, charged with 2nd degree murder and child abuse, in drowning death of newborn Jeremy Lee Davidson. Police say she gave birth in toilet, wrapped him in towels and placed him in trash. Later retrieved him and drove to hospital.

GEORGIA

Savannah Morning News, November 27, 2007

Abandoned newborn in good condition

http://www.savannahnow.com/node/405408

SAVANNAH–Update on New Vision Baptist Church case (BDN v7 #47). Details of discovery from church kids who found him.

WTOC-TV, Savannah, November 27, 2007

Hospitals only safe haven for abandoned newborns

http://www.wtoctv.com/Global/story.asp?S=7416245&nav=0qq6bVRy

SAVANNAH– Hospitals are only safe haven drop-off points; limited to protect health of baby. Debbie O’Connor, Memorial Health ER nurse manager says any hospital will take a baby with proper identification. Pictures.

WTOC-TV, Savannah, November 27, 2007

A look back–Savannah’s Baby Grace

http://www.wtoctv.com/Global/story.asp?S=7416520&nav=menu89_2

SAVANNAH–Update on Baby Grace case (BDN v2 #4). Review of case that spurred passage of GA’s SH law; found in dumpster in Jan. 2002. Now adopted and lives in N. Georgia. Debbie O’Connor says a baby can be left with no questions asked, If mother “leaves her newborn child in the physical custody of an employee, agent, or member of the staff of a medical facility who is on duty…and the mother shows proof of her identity.” Picture.

WTOC-TV, Savannah. November 28, 2007

Experts say fear may play a part in baby abandonment

http://www.wtoctv.com/Global/story.asp?S=7422780

SAVANNAH–Interview with Gwen Jenkins, dir. of Savannah Care Center, a “crisis pregnancy center.” Says fear motivates abandonment. Speaking of mother who left baby at church,, I’m afraid she delivered this baby all by herself. She carried the baby to term and left it where she knew it would be found and get help.” Believes mother is teenager or young adult. Urges women in “crisis pregnancy” to contact her.

INDIANA

Fort Wayne Journal Gazette, November 27, 2007

Mom held after baby’s body found in box

http://www.journalgazette.net/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071127/NEWS07/71127009

PRINCETON–Vanessa Robinson, 22, held on $100,000 bond charged with neglect of a dependent causing death. Investigation began on March 15 after Robinson went to Vincennes hospital with abdominal pain. Doctors determined she gave birth recently, but baby was unaccounted for. Body found in basement. Comments.

PENNSYLVANIA

WCAU-TV, Philadelphia, November 27, 2007

Grandmother 35, accused of leaving born on home’s doorstep

http://www.nbc10.com/news/14696294/detail.html

ABINGTON–Update on Ablington case (BDN v7 # ). Jacqueline Bethea, 35 charged with endangering welfare of child; admits leaving baby on doorstep. Says she and daughter, 17, were unaware of daughter’s pregnancy. After baby was born at home while Bethea was at work, the two agree baby should be taken to hospital Bought baby clothes at Target but were afraid to go to hospital so they left him on doorstep because they mistakenly thought occupant was home. Police received anon, tip, checked Target surveillance gape and then Betha’s receipts. Picture.

Montgomery Life, November 28, 2007

Ferman urges use of “Safe Haven law”

http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=19067156&BRD=1306&PAG=461&dept_id=187828&rfi=6

ABINGTON–Montgomery County First Assistant SA Risa Betri Ferman urges SH use. Says SH is important “because sometimes people have children and they simply cannot care for them. Says young mother did the right things for baby but, “she then put herself in her own mother’s hands and it was her mother who let the bad decisons be made.”

***INTERNATIONAL***

ENGLAND

ArtInfo, November 28, 2007

London museum announces first Foundling Fellows

http://www.artinfo.com/articles/story/26194/london-museum-announces-first-foundling-fellows

LONDON–Musician Damon Albarn, sculptor Richard Wentworth, and author Jacqueline Wilson named Foundling Fellows.

INDIA

DNA, November 26, 2007

Cradles that saved 2,000 girls in TN

http://www.dnaindia.com/report.asp?newsid=1135518

CHENNAI–In recent years, about 2000 “cradle babies” left at state centers. Debate continues on whether or not program saves baby girls from infanticide or encourages abandonment, but there has been a dramatic decline in female infanticide and infant mortality rate in general since 2002 when the program was revived after several years’ hiatus. Tamil writer, Vaasanthi is troubled by program, “The scheme give parents the right to abandon their girls and that is not a comforting idea…The scheme, though effective, is not a permanent solution.”

Times of India, November 24, 2007

Newborn found in abandoned house

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Nagpur/Newborn_found_in_abandoned_house/articleshow/2566423.cms

NAGPUR–1-day old boy fuond abanodned n ramshackle house beside public toilet in slum. Baby taken to hospital.

SOUTH AFRICA

IOL, November 28, 2007

Abandoned newborn defies the odds

http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?set_id=1&click_id=15&art_id=vn20071128032942449C824839

JOHANNESBURG–Gardeners hear baby crying in Meredale veld and call for help. search team finds newborn Blessing, in plastic bag. Suffering from cold, baby taken to nearby townhouse for warm bath but was unresponsive. Paramedics kept her warm with body heat until reaches hospital Searcher Mulit Msibi, hopes to adopt Blessing.

YEMEN

Yemen Observer, November 27, 2007

Lawyers: Abandoned children in Yemen have the right to citizenship

http://www.yobserver.com/news-varieties/10013334.html

Long article on treatment of abandoned Yemeni children under civil and Islamic law. Many people find abandoned children and keep them as their own, including giving them their names, which opposes both laws. Foster parents need to report abandonment to police. Civil Affairs Authority give abandoned children names. Islam prohibits adoption for various reasons including inheritance disputes.

BABY DUMP NEWS:

A WEEKLY E-CHRONICLE OF NEWBORN ABANDONMENT

INFANTICIDE,

SAFE HAVEN LEGISLATION

AND RELATED ISSUES

November 21, 2007–v7 #47

Distributed weekly by:

Marley Elizabeth Greiner, Executive Chair, Bastard Nation
maddogmarley@worldnet.att.net

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 and www.myspace.com/maddogmarley

ANNOUNCEMENT:

I have been traveling and am once more attempting to catch up

***THIS WEEK***

FLORIDA–Wife takes baby to fire station; father attempts to retrieve him

GEORGIA–Newborn found in book bag at hospital

PENNSYLVANIA–Woman offers to recive baabies from “desperate mothers”

TEXAS–Susan Chiniewicz guilty of negligent homicide

SASKATCHEWAN–Publication ban lifted Wal-mart case

…and more!

***STATES***

CALIFORNIA

North Coast Times, November 15, 2007

(no longer on server)

ESCONDIDO–Workers find body of newborn on trash conveyor belt at recycling plant; believed to be white or Latino at 34 weeks. 182 SH cases since law went into effect. Picture.

San Diego Union-Tribune, November 16, 2007

No answers in discovery of newborn’s body

http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/northcounty/20071116-9999-7m16baby.html

ESCONDIDO–Police receive many tips, but have not ID’d mother. Comments.

FLORIDA

ABC-TV, Tampa, November 15, 2007

Baby boy left at Lake Wales Fire Department

http://www.abcactionnews.com/news/local/story.aspx?content_id=5cbdd652-15d8-446e-bb1f-128ed451c86e

LAKE WALES–Baby left at fire station. Note left with him says he was born Oct. 22. Appears in good health.

Lakeland Ledger, November 16, 2007

Woman leaves baby at fire station

http://www.theledger.com/article/20071116/NEWS/711160401/1004/News

LAKE WALES–More details of above case. Woman “looking confused’ brought baby to fire station in a car seat, with plastic Wal-Mart bags and supplies. “Technically” ‘law applies to infants 3 days old or younger, but Nick Silverio says it would be unusual for parents to be prosecuted over age restriction. Mother praised. Picture.

Lakeland Ledger, November 17, 2007

Parents want to reclaim abandoned baby

http://www.theledger.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071116/NEWS/71116024/1039

LAKE WALES–Parents attempt to reclaim baby. Case now in hands of Florida Division of Children and Families. No charges expected to be filed. Police report that father, 32, “did not know his wife had any intention of giving up custody of the infant” and appeared to be extremely angry with his wife. During private interview mother, 29 said she had 2 other children and the baby was “too much for her.” Picture.

MyFox 13-TV, Tampa, November 17, 2007

An unusual “safe haven” situation

http://www.myfoxtampabay.com/myfox/pages/News/Detail?contentId=4963923&version=2&locale=EN-US&layoutCode=TSTY&pageId=3.2.1

LAKE WALES–Even though father wants to reclaim baby, it must stay in state custody. Adoption attorney Jeanne Trudeau Tate says that once a parent has given up a child, they have to go through a judge to get him back, “The question is, does [the father] have a right to step forth? Yes. Does that mean he automatically gets the child back? No. The court still has to determine it’s in the child’s best interest and that his actions have not created a situation where his parental rights should be terminated. Picture.

GEORGIA

Catoosa County News, November 16, 2007

Mother sentenced to probation in infant death case

http://news.mywebpal.com/news_tool_v2.cfm?pnpID=724&NewsID=854833&CategoryID=3418&show=localnews&om=1

CATOOSA COUNTY–Update on Jennifer Kay Donaldson case (BDB v4 #29. Donaldson sentenced to 12 years probation and 200 hours of community service in July 2004 death of newborn. Psychologist testifies that Donaldson was in dissociative state when she gave birth and a few days afterward.

WSB-TV, Atlanta, November 20, 2007

Baby abandoned at DeKalb hospital

http://www.wsbtv.com/news/14652908/detail.html

DEKALB COUNTY–Special Victims Unit looking for mother who abandoned newborn at hospital. Another patient found the baby, left unattended for about 2 hours, in leather book bag. Under state’s SH law, baby must be turned over in person. Picture.

Atlanta Journal-Constitution, November 21, 2007

Newborn abandoned at DeKalb hospital

http://www.ajc.com/news/content/metro/dekalb/stories/2007/11/21/babyfound_1121.html

DEKALB COUNTY–Police say they don’t plan to file charges if mother is located; “she tried to do the right thing.” Description of mother.

NEW YORK

Newsday, November 20, 2007

Mom found guilty of causing newborn baby’s ‘death

http://www.newsday.com/news/local/crime/ny-libaby205468887nov20,0,4520887.story

MINEOLA–Update on Baby Nicholas Hope/Erma Stephens case (BDN v6 #48, 49, 50; v7 #45). In bench trial, Stephens convicted of 2nd degree manslaughter and tampering with physical evidence; acquitted of murder.

NORTH CAROLINA

ABC 11, November 20, 2007

Foster parents of abandoned baby want new laws

http://abclocal.go.com/wtvd/story?section=triangle&id=5772270

WENDELL–Update on Michelle Richardson case (BDN v6 #49, 5; v7 #4, 17-18). Baby, Cory Richardson,abandoned at McDonald’s shortly after birth, returned to mother, grandmother and stepgrandfather. Richardson has previously safe havened twins and placed 3 other children for adoption. Cory’s fosters parents, Brian and Amy Lewis, Richardson’s 2nd cousins, and Richardson’s father Dale Weathers complain to press that new laws are needed to protect Cory and othesr like him. Weathers says, Richardson “had several chances. Multiple pregnancies and multiple adoptions shows there’s a problem.” State refuses to comment, but legislators looking into issue. Pictures.

PENNSYLVANIA

PennLive, November 13, 2007

Mom , who won’t be charged, had better options for safe haven

(no longer on server)

PENBROOK–Update on Abington case (BDN v7 #46). Teen mom who left baby on doorstep won’t be prosecuted; police claim she rang doorbell and watched his retrieval from a hiding place. 5 SH cases in state since law went into effect (Adams, Blair, Clarion, Clearfield, York counties.) Linda Veno,, Lower Paxton Twn. founder of Mother’s Love Foundation, says people tell her they’d be afraid to leave babies in busy place that has security cameras. Veno tried to establish Baskets of Life program in local Catholic Churches but ran into liability issues. Says she will personally accept a baby from “a desperate mother” and offers cell phone number. Picture. Comments

Harrisburg Patriot News, November 16, 2007

Spread the word

(archives registration)

Editorial in support of SH. Says Penbrook mother’s actions “were in line” with SH law.

Philadelphia Daily News, November 17, 2007

Baby could have had haven

http://www.philly.com/dailynews/local/20071117_Baby_could_have_had_haven.html

PHILADELPHIA–Puff piece on SH. “It’s a difficult thing for us to determine the success of this program,” says Dept. of Public Welfare spokesperson, Stacey Wita-lec. “Do we want to see it used more often because people are abandoning babies?”

TEXAS

Dallas Morning News, November 11, 2007

Fireman finds newborn boy at station

http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/APStories/stories/D8SRKTFO1.html

WESTALAKE–Firefighter Victor Scrivens, finds baby about 30 minutes old near air conditioning unit at Westlake VFD. Baby in good condition and placed in care of CPS.

Houston Chronicle, November 14, 2007

A parent’s hard choice

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/metropolitan/falkenberg/5303179.html

HOUSTON–Commentary by Lisa Fallkenberg on Westlake case. Concerned that mother could face criminal charges because baby was exposed to elements and not handed over personally to firefighters. Retraces steps to see if spot seemed too hidden or dangerous. Believes mother did not mean harm to child since she left it at a spot where people regularly abandon dogs cats, and other animals. Points out that abandoner called FD to report left baby 5-6 hours after it was found. Because SH law wasn’t strictly adhered to CPS will try to locate mother to determine if a relative can care for baby. SH author Rep. Geanie Morrison believes there should be room for “compassion and discretion” in interpretation of law. “Morrison and CPS official say the Baby Moses law has encouraged more mothers to abandon babies near hospitals and fire stations, even if most stop short of entering the facilities and handing over the baby safely to a person. We need to do everything possible to encourage these mothers to take that extra step. We shouldn’t do anything that scares them further way.” Comments.

McKinney Courier-Gazette,, November 15, 2007

Chiniewicz trial focuses on expert’s testimony

http://www.courier-gazette.com/articles/2007/11/17/the_colony_courier-leader/news/a-newstc94.txt

BRYAN—Update on Susan Chiniewicz case (BDN v 5 #41; v6 #15, 1, 17, 18; v 7 #7, 22, 45, 46). Jonathan Arden, former chief ME for Washington, DC, testifies that baby appeared dead at time of birth. Describes pathology report as “seriously deficient” because it didn’t note the texture of baby’s lungs which would determine if baby breathed. Prosecution suggests he misinterpreted microscopic photos and disagreed with other findings. Chiniewwicz declines to testify.

KETK-TV, Longview, November 15, 2007

Baby Moses law

http://www.ketknbc.com/home/ticker/11557181.html

TYLER–According to Dan McLean, investigator for CPS over 100 babies are abandoned in state every year (no mention of how many are newborns). Of those, 15-20 are found dead. More than 60 babies SH in Texas.

McKinney Courier-Leader, November 20, 2007

Mom guilty baby’s death

http://www.courier-gazette.com/articles/2007/11/20/the_colony_courier-leader/news/a-newstc87.txt

BRYAN–Susan Chiniewicz convicted of criminally negligent homicide; sentenced to 2 years in prison and $10.000 fine. Released pending appeal. Originally indicted for capital murder. Prosecution claims she had been pregnant 3 times out of wedlock after her husband’s 2000 vasectomy. Witnesses said she was at strip club sitting, with skirt pulled up, on lap of man she later accused of raping her and fathering child.

KWTX-TV, Waco, November 21, 2007

Woman arrested in death of newborn free on bond

http://www.kwtx.com/home/headlines/11722136.html

LOTT–Former prison guard Khalilha Baucom accused of giving birth in motel bathrub and then stuffing full-term baby in toilet tank free on bond. Picture.

Houston Chronicle, Novemner 21, 2007

CPS need help in search for little boy’s family

(no longer online)

WESTLAKE–Baby left at fire station, now named Mathew John Scrivens, makes media debut in attempt to find mother. “Public pleas have had mixed results. In some cases, mothers have assisted CPS with an abandoned baby’s health information and verified that they have no desire to keep the baby. In other cases, some mothers, particularly younger ones who thought they would have no one to help them raise the child, have contacted CPS to let the agency know that they can care for the abandoned baby.”

***CANADA***

NEW BRUNSWICK

The Canadian Press, November 21, 2007

Psychiaaaatrist says NB woman clearly planned burning of infant’s body

http://canadianpress.google.com/article/ALeqM5hp7EQttdC6vbHrULu57CPnXGNVXQ

ST. STEPHEN– Defense psychiatrist testifies that Becky Sue Morrow, 27, isn’t criminally responsible in death of newborn because of a mental disassociation. Morrow earlier pled guilty to “offering an indignity to a newborn” by chopping up and disposing of body in a firepit. Ppprosecution psychiatrist disagrees says she had “insight” and knew exactly what she was doing and was “thinking clearly.”

ONTARIO

CBC News, November 21, 2007

Experts say pathologist overstepped his authority in determining cause of death

http://www.cbc.ca/canada/toronto/story/2007/11/21/goudge-inquiry.html

TORONTO–Expert panel says Dr. Charles Smith exceeded his role of pathologist when he investigated suspicious deaths of children, including “Baby F” who died shortly after birth. Smith allegedly offered options he couldn’t back up..

QUEBEC

Montreal Gazette, November 15, 2007

Newborn abandoned in Ville Emard

http://www.canada.com/montrealgazette/news/story.html?id=14dd06ea-f218-446a-ba66-e6d0d99070da&k=34747

MONTREAL–Newborn found in apartment basement; 18-year old mother, living in buillding, located living

Saskatoon Star-Phoenix, November 15, 2007

Teen guilty of baby’s death

http://www.canada.com/saskatoonstarphoenix/news/sports/story.html?id=6fa7a994-58be-4bef-9e02-8df5f41c9402

ST. JEROME–Update on woods baby case (BDN v6 #45, 46, 49) 17-year old who abandoned baby in wooded lot north of Montreal,last year pleads down to manslaughter; will be sentenced next April

SASKATCHEWAN

Saskatoon Star-Phoenix, November 20, 2007

Judge lifts ban on identifying mom in abandonment case

http://www.canada.com/saskatoonstarphoenix/news/local/story.html?id=df84ec50-2814-4fe3-8615-3921370f6199

PRINCE ALBERT–Update on Wal-Mart case (BDN v7 #21, 22, 35, 36, 38, 45, 46). Judge rejects government’s application to ban publication of name of Deborah Dawn Halkett, mother who delivered baby in Wal-Mart toilet. CPS argued that mother’s ID would automatically ID child, which would cause serious harm, prejudice and stigma to child. Judge says he doubts identification would have any meaning to child in future and that circumstances of his birth will have to be explained to him eventually. Star-Phoenix editor, Steve Gibb, happy with decision. “We are the eyes and ears of the public…We stand up for the public’s right to know. We represent them, essentially. It’s important our agency provide that role. We do the same with government and the administration of tax dollars. Prince Albert Daily Herald editor agrees, saying it was a freedom of the press issue.

BABY DUMP NEWS:

A WEEKLY E-CHRONICLE OF NEWBORN ABANDONMENT

INFANTICIDE,

SAFE HAVEN LEGISLATION

AND RELATED ISSUES

November 14, 2007–v7 #46

Distributed weekly by:

Marley Elizabeth Greiner, Executive Chair, Bastard Nation

maddogmarley@worldnet.att.net

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 and www.myspace.com/maddogmarley

***THIS WEEK***

CALIFORNIA–Ashcraft bond reduced

PENNSYLVANIA–Baby left on doorstep

TEXAS–Baby Moses Law “confusing”

NEW ZEALAND–Abandoned baby crocs a growing problem

…and more!

THANKS: Donna

***STATES***

CALIFORNIA

KCAL-TV, Los Angeles, November 8, 2007

Bail reduced for student accused of killing baby

http://cbs2.com/local/local_story_312143601.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, 36). Bail reduced from $200,000 to $50,000 due to charge reduction to involuntary manslaughter and child abuse. Recognizance motion denied.

PENNSYLVANIA

Lancaster Intelligencer Journal, November 8, 2007

Service planned for baby

http://local.lancasteronline.com/4/212091

LANCASTER–Update on Baby Mary Anne case (BDN v7 #39, 40, 45). Another review of case and scheduled funeral.

NBC10-TV, Philadelphia, November 9, 2007

Newborn found on suburban home’s doorstep

http://www.nbc10.com/news/14552529/detail.html

ABINGTON–Woman walking dog hears strange sounds and asks husband to investigate; newborn discovered on neighbor’s porch. Note with baby reads, “Can you please take [my baby] to the hospital…It’s not that I don’t love you. I just can’t take care of you…I love you.” Though he was left in 34 degree weather infant is in good health. Probably not born not in hospital. Picture.

WHP-TV, Harrisburg, November 13, 2007

Abandoned baby’s mother found

http://www.whptv.com/mostpopular/story.aspx?content_id=879b8900-09db-4b30-9cb1-f7dedd8a3582

ABINGTON–Mother described as teen, located. Police don’t plan to file charges. Baby in custody of Dauphin County CYS. Picture.

SOUTH CAROLINA

WIS-TV, Columbia, November 9, 2007

DSS spokesperson speaks about adoption of abandoned baby

http://www.wistv.com/Global/story.asp?S=7338299

LEXINGTON COUNTY–Update on Baby Jane case (BDN v7 #42, 43). Baby placed with foster parents who are aware that child is abandoned, but not yet legally free for adoption Explains foster family selection process.

TEXAS

KFDM-TV, Dallas, November 9, 2007

Berry set to appear in court for leaving newborn in ant-filled ditch

http://www.kfdm.com/news/court_23381___article.html/berry_charge.html

BEAUMONT–Update on Kenisha Berry case (BDN v3 # 24, 25, 28, 34; v4 #5, 8.9; v7 #21; v7 #40). Berry convicted in 2004 of 1998 murder of newborn son returns to court to face charges in 2003 abandonment girl. Picture. Comments.

Cleburne Times Review, November 13, 2007

Abandoned baby given to grandparents

http://www.cleburnetimesreview.com/local/local_story_317181742.html

CLEBURNE–Woman who left baby with friend saying “I just can’t handle it anymore” on Saturday won’t face criminal charges. Friend told authorities that mother had been passing 1-2 month old baby off to friends earlier in day. Baby turned over to grandparents.

Houston Chronicle, November 14, 2007

CPS: Infant’s abandonment violated Baby Moses law

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/headline/metro/5295897.html

KATY–Abandonment of baby left wrapped in towel outside Westlake fire station over weekend not in compliance with Baby Moses Law. 3rd baby abandoned in Houston are this year. Comments.

Houston Chronicle, November 14,2007

Recent case typical of confusion over Baby Moses Law

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/front/5299439.html

HOUSTON–Few newborns abandoned in state meet BML criteria because they are left outdoors or aren’t taken to ERs or other SH drop-off points. Cites weekend Westlake fire station baby suffering from hypothermia. “Some people may think it’s close enough but you’re still leaving your newborn infant in danger by not making sure that someone will take care of that child immediately,” says Estella Olguin from Houston CPS. Westlake Fire Chief Mark Palmer surpirsed at rules. “I understood the Baby Moses Law was like the biblical sending Moses down the river.” Didn’t know personal handover was required. Police investigating Westlake case but undecided if charges will be filed.

Fort Bend Herald, November 14, 2007

Baby Moses Law often misunderstood

http://www.herald-coaster.com/articles/2007/11/14/news/news02.txt

ROSENBERG–Review of law. “Relinquishing parents” need to hand over baby in person to protect child and fill out optional information form.”This law provides parents with an option,”says Fort Bend County DA John F. Healey. “It gives them a safer way to leave a child without causing any harm.

Houston Chronicle, November 15, 2007

Mom convicted of lesser charge in baby’s death

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/headline/metro/5302806.html

BRYAN–Update on Susan Chiniewicz case BDN v 5 #41; v6 #15, 1, 17, 18; v 7 #7, 22, 45). Chiniewicz convicted of criminally negligent homicide; faces up to 2 years in jail.

***CANADA***

SASKATCHEWAN

Saskatoon Star-Phoenix, November 6, 2007

Publication ban sought in Wal-Mart baby case

http://www.canada.com/saskatoonstarphoenix/news/story.html?id=747911f8-497f-4c54-ae15-02e345c2b8a1

PRINCE ALBERT–Update on Wal-Mart case (BDN v7 #21, 22, 35, 36, 38, 45). More on publication controversy. Star Phoenix and Prince Albert Daily Herald oppose ban; mother’s name is common knowledge in La Ronge.

***INTERNATIONAL***

INDIA

Express India, November 8, 2007

Abandoned child found near Mohall bus stand

http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news/Abandoned-child-found-near-Mohali-bus-stand/237415/

MOHALL–Newborn boy found in bushes near bus stand; taken to hospital in good condition.

MALAWI

The Daily Times, November 9, 2007

Couple kills, dumps baby in toilet

http://www.dailytimes.bppmw.com/article.asp?ArticleID=7095

KARONGA–Mendamenda Blood Msiska, 32 and girlfriend Ndasimenye Simbeye, 24, arrested for murder; newborn daughter thrown in school toilet. Msiska, married to another woman and father of daughters reportedly “fed up with fathering daughters” and ordered Simbeye to get rid of baby. Village elders, surprised when baby disappeared, pressed mother and called police.

NEW ZEALAND

The New Zealand Herald, November 10, 2007

Abandoned pet crocs a growing problem

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/2/story.cfm?c_id=2&objectid=10475120

DARWIN–Wildlife rangers dealing with increased number of abandoned pet crocodiles; found outside shopping centers, on golf courses, in suburban streets, and outdoor public pools. By law, after purchased crocs grow 60cm long owners are required to return them to pet shops or crocodile farms where they were purchased.

BABY DUMP NEWS:

A WEEKLY E-CHRONICLE OF NEWBORN ABANDONMENT

INFANTICIDE,

SAFE HAVEN LEGISLATION

AND RELATED ISSUES

November 7 , 2007–v7 #45

Distributed weekly by:

Marley Elizabeth Greiner, Executive Chair, Bastard Nation

maddogmarley@worldnet.att.net

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 and www.myspace.com/maddogmarley

***THIS WEEK***

ARIZONA–Hospital gets baby depository

NORTH CAROLINA–LaToya McGill sentenced to probation and community service;

originally charged with capital murder

TEXAS–Chiniewicz trial begins

SASKATCHEWAN–Does publication ban protect rights of infant?

RWANDA–Mother of 4 accused of killing newborn

…and more!

***STATES***

ALABAMA

Florence Times Daily, November 4, 2007

Parenthood pamphlets distributed at schools

http://www.timesdaily.com/article/20071104/NEWS/711040347/1011

FLORENCE–Feature on local distribution of SH pamphlets. Colbert County senior Jake Chaney likes pamphlets. “A lot of young teen mothers are so self-centered they’ll abandon their baby and the baby is better off there at the hospital than in a trash can where it can die.” April Cameron, also a senior, says SH benefits childless couples. “It’s good to have the information in schools because teens aren’t going to stop the behavior that leads to pregnancy, so I guess the consequences need to be addressed.”

ARIZONA

Arizona Daily Star, November 5, 2007

Search finds no infant remains at dump

http://www.azstarnet.com/allheadlines/209956

FLAGSTAFF–21-year old N. Arizona University student claims she had stillbirth and put baby into trash. Landfill search turns up empty. University police continue investigation but say there is no physical evidence of birth, though the believe “something did happen.”

KTAR-TV, November 6, 2007

Banner Estrella unveils new safe haven

http://ktar.com/?nid=6&sid=639103

PHOENIX–Hospital installs SH baby depository. “When the drawer is opened, it actually activates a strobe within the emergency department. As a backup, there’s a signal that is sent to a central dispatch.” 10 SH cases in state since law went into effect. Picture.

CALIFORNIA

Long Beach Press-Telegram, November 1, 2007

Knabe promises millions for LB

http://www.presstelegram.com/news/ci_7346083

LONG BEACH–LA County Supervisor Don Knabe addresses LB C of C on various topics. Gets emotional when he discusses SH. 62 cases since law went into effect. Latest drop-off happened earlier in week when boy was left at Downey Regional Medical Center.

INDIANA

Indianapolis Star, November 1, 2007

Scared moms need to know there are Safe Havens

http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071101/OPINION01/711010432/-1/LOCAL17

INDIANAPOLIS–Letter to editor by adoptive mother promoting SH. Comments.

KENTUCKY

WAVE-TV, Louisville, November 7, 2007

More details released in murder investigation of newborn

http://www.wave3.com/Global/story.asp?S=7327743&nav=0RZF

LOUISVILLE–Update on Katie McCoy case (BDN v7 #43, 44). According to court documents McCoy hid pregnancy and sought no pre-natal are; relied on online information about childbirth. Picture.

NEW YORK

Newsday, November 5, 2007

Murder trial begins for LIRR baby-dumping case

http://www.newsday.com/news/local/ny-libaby1106,0,3073089.story?coll=ny-top-headlines

HICKSVILLE–Update on Baby Nicholas Hope/Erma Stephens case (BDN v6 #48, 49, 50). Trial begins; LI Railroad conductor Joseph Maldari testifies about finding body of newborn in white plastic bag on top of garbage can at station. Prosecution argues that Stephens drowned baby because she was embarrassed at being unmarried mother; defense says death was accident. Several weeks ago Judge George Peck declined prosecution request to recuse himself after he’d expressed opinion that there wasn’t sufficient evidence to prove murder.

NORTH CAROLINA

Rocky Mount Telegram, November 5, 2007

Paramedic raises Safe Surrender awareness

http://www.rockymounttelegram.com/news/content/news/stories/2007/11/05/safesurrender.html

SHARPSBURG–Nash County EMS paramedic Cleveland Hunt raises $1,600 to put SH signs outside fire and EMS sites.

Charlotte Observer, November 7, 2007

Woman pleads guilty in newborn death

http://www.charlotte.com/local/story/351685.html

MONROE COUNTY–Update on Monroe case (BDN v5 #24, 25). Latoya McGill, 21, sentenced to 1 year probation, 50 hours of community service, and counseling. 1st degree murder charge dropped.–originally charged with capital murder with death penalty specs. New prosecutor says body was too decomposed to determine whether it baby born dead.

PENNSYLVANIA

Lancaster New Era, November 7, 2007

A funeral for “Baby Mary Anne”

http://local.lancasteronline.com/4/212074

LANCASTER–Update on YMCA dumpster case (BDN v7 #39, 40). Funeral scheduled for baby, now named Mary Anne, found in dumpster; arranged by members of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church. Other clergy will participate. Police waiting autopsy report.

TEXAS

KENS-TV, San Antonio, November 1, 2007

Abandoned baby now grown up, doing well

http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/metro/stories/MYSA103107.misty.dawn.KENS.1c79661a7.html

SAN ANTONIO–Another feature on Misty Dawn/Kallie Marie Tuttle, 18, abandoned at birth (BDN v7 #27). Graduated from high school this spring and plans to be chef. “We talk about her birth mom a lot because I think that we all just have a real love of her birth mom, because if her birth mom hadn’t been brave enough to carry her for nine months, we would not have her as our daughter,” says adoptive mother Patti Tuttle.

McKinney Courier Gazette, November 2, 2007

Chiniewicz trial to begin Monday

http://www.courier-gazette.com/articles/2007/11/02/the_colony_courier-leader/news/a-newstc003.txt

BRYAN–Update on Susan Chiniewicz case (BDN v 5 #41; v6 #15, 1, 17, 18; v 7 #7, 22). Chiniewicz’s trial scheduled to start Nov. 5. Review of case. Chiniewicz, a local reporter and business owner, allegedly gave birth and killed newborn at Texas World Speedway.

Bryan-College Station Eagle, November 7, 2007

“Baby Joseph” murder trial begins

http://www.theeagle.com/local/_Baby_Joseph__murder_trial_begins

BRYAN–Prosecution opens; claims Chiniewicz hid pregnancy and killed baby because she was having an affair and her husband had had a vasectomy. Denied to police she was mother, but when DNA proved otherwise, claimed she’d been raped and baby born dead. Defense declines opening statement. Capital murder with death penalty spec dropped to lower offense of 1st degree felony murder. David Bayliss, alleged father of baby, scheduled to testify.

***CANADA***

ALBERTA

Edmonton Journal, November 6, 2007

Date set for retrial in newborn’s death

http://www.canada.com/edmontonjournal/news/story.html?id=d291ada3-dc50-4a95-85d5-759784f0faee&k=90177

WETASKIWIN–Update on Katrina Effert case (BDN v6 #38, 39, 40, 46). Retrial set for Sept. 2008, but may be postponed if defense can get change of venue. Won new trial when Crown prosecutor conceded that judge’s charge to jury was flawed. Picture.

SASKATCHEWAN

Prince Albert Daily Herald, November 7, 2007

Publication ban argued in Wal-Mart baby case

http://www.paherald.sk.ca/index.cfm?sid=77850&sc=4

PRINCE ALBERT–Update on Wal-Mart case (BDN v7 #21, 22, 35, 36, 38). Lawyers argue for and against publication ban protecting ID of mother charged with abandoning baby in Wal-Mart earlier this year. Defense claims if woman is ID’d the baby who needs legal protection, will also be identified. In child’s long-term interest to remain anonymous. Lawyer for Lac La Ronge Indians who have custody of baby argues “If the woman’s name is made public, the child might find out the circumstances of his birth through newspaper articles and such. These articles can be scrapbooked and kept around for years, to the age when the child can understand what happened to him…” will be known as the “Wal-Mart baby that was flushed down a toilet.” Defense agrees says child can only remain “protected” if mother’s name is “kept secret.” Both say judge shouldn’t heed media argument for ID.

Regina Leader-Post, November 7, 2007

Questions of Identity

http://www.canada.com/reginaleaderpost/news/viewpoints/story.html?id=80e97a13-cc49-4b1a-9861-ba608063d9cc

Discussion of publication ban and privacy rights.

***INTERNATIONAL***

GAMBIA

The Point, November 7, 2007

Teenage mother caught after dumping baby

http://www.thepoint.gm/headlines2465.htm

WILLLILNGARA VILLAGE–Unnamed girl, 15, throws newborn in toilet shortly after birth; baby survives after being found a few minutes later.

INDIA

The Times of India, November 5, 2007

Another infant abandoned

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Mumbai/Another_infant_abandoned/articleshow/2517687.cms

MUMBAI–4-day old girl abandoned on train tracks. Onlookers rescue baby and call police. Police believe mother is slumdweller.

MALAYSIA

Daily Express, November 7, 2007

Woman sought over baby dump

http://www.dailyexpress.com.my/news.cfm?NewsID=53824

KUNAK–Police appeal to public to assist locating Palsa Hamid, 25, to question in abandonment case. No details.

RWANDA

All Africa.com, November 6, 2007

Mother of 4 arrested over dumping baby

http://allafrica.com/stories/200711060174.html

JURU VILLAGE–Perus Mukamwiza, mother of 4 accused of strangling newborn and tossing it in pit latrine.

SINGAPORE

The Electric New Paper, November 1, 2007

Body could have been crushed & destroyed

http://newpaper.asia1.com.sg/news/story/0,4136,146511,00.html

SINGAPORE–Detailed account of discovery of dead newborn in rubbish truck; extensive quotes from Saumi Yun who found body. Review of other cases and helpline directory. Picture.

SOLOMON ISLANDS

Solomon Star, October 29, 2009

Dead baby found at Green Valley

http://www.solomonstarnews.com/?q=node/15582

GREEN VALLEY–Dog drags newborn’s body out of drain; police believe mother will located soon.

Solomon Star, October 30, 2007

Women’s group shock at dead baby discovery

http://www.solomonstarnews.com/?q=node/15606

GREEN VALLEY–National Council of Women horrified at discovery of body. Condemn act and urge community to assist police in locating mother. Discussion of family breakdown and female poverty.

SOUTH AFRICA

Paarl Post, November 1, 2007

Baby’s mother charged

http://www.paarlpost.com/cgib/article?newsid=9435

PAARL–Ruth vanWyk, 30, accused of leaving newborn boy near Paulus Joubert Secondary school appears in court.

News 24, November 6, 2007

Baby found in abandoned fridge

http://www.news24.com/News24/South_Africa/News/0,,2-7-1442_2215787,00.html

KRAKEEL–Newborn girl wrapped in old sheet, found in open refrigerator. Nearby residents heard crying but were afraid to investigate; called ambulance in morning. Picture.

TANZANIA

Dar Es Salaam Daily News, November 3, 2007

192 babies dumped countrywide

http://www.dailynews-tsn.com/page.php?id=9406Fl

DODOMA–192 babies, 90 of them girls, dumped in last 2 years Dep. Minster for Health and Social Welfare Dr. Alish Kigoda reports to National Assembly. Blames “social problems” and abortion for devaluation of life.

BABY DUMP NEWS:

A WEEKLY E-CHRONICLE OF NEWBORN ABANDONMENT

INFANTICIDE,

SAFE HAVEN LEGISLATION

AND RELATED ISSUES

October 31 , 2007–v7 #44

Distributed weekly by:

Marley Elizabeth Greiner, Executive Chair, Bastard Nation

maddogmarley@worldnet.att.net

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 and www.myspace.com/maddogmarley

***THIS WEEK***

COLORADO–Addie Kubsiak sentenced to community service

KENTUCKY–University student charged in death

PENNSYLVANIA–Some charges dropped in Sardella case

TENNESSEE–Woman charged with 2nd degree murder

NAMIBIA–Baby dumped in pit latrine; mother arrested and sentenced within days

…and more!

***STATES***

COLORADO

KMGH-TV, October 26, 2007

Student admits concealing baby’s death

http://www.thedenverchannel.com/news/14431410/detail.html

CASTLE ROCK–Update on Addie Kubisiak case (BDN v7 #6, 17, 20). Kubisiak sentenced to 50 hours of community service, 2 years probation, and mandatory mental health counseling. Prosecutors, who first charged her with 1st degree murder, say it’s far outcome to case. Picture.

KENTUCKY

Indianapolis Star, October 25, 2007

Plainfield mother, 19, charged in newborn’s death in dorm

http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071025/LOCAL/71025047/-1/LOCAL17

LOUISVILLE–Update on Bellarmine University case (BDN v7 #43). Kathryn “Katie” McCoy, 19 arrested after discharge from hospital; charged with murder, concealing birth of child, and tampering with physical evidence. According to arrest citation McCoy spent more than an hour in dorm bathroom then came out and asked roommate for garbage bag. Let infant fall into toilet causing her death. Suspicious roommate checked trashroom later, found body, and called police. Before police arrived, McCoy retrieved body and put it in gym bag. McCoy played tennis and golf in high school and was member of National Honor Society, student council, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and other school clubs.

WAVE-TV, Louisville, October 26, 2007

WAVE 3 finds it’s rare for mothers to abandon newborns

http://www.wave3.com/Global/story.asp?S=7271973

LOUISVILLE–Interview with U. of Louisville social work professor Anita Barbee who says infanticide is rare. “Even though we call people over 18 adults, developmentally they are still in a phase where the brain is developing, maturing–especially the frontal lobe which houses reasoning and judgment.” Says hormones can impair judgment.

WAVE-TV, Louisville, November 26, 2007

Mother of newborn found dead in college dorm held on $50k bond

http://www.wave3.com/Global/story.asp?S=7270956&nav=menu31_3

LOUISVILLE–McCoy formally charged; parents don’t appear for arraignment but say through lawyer they won’t be making public statement. Bond set at $50,000. Picture.

Indianapolis Star, November 27, 2007

Mom charged in newborn’s death posts bond

http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071027/LOCAL/710270481

LOUISVILLE–Family posts bond; McCoy released. No special conditions set.

INDIANA

WANE-TV, Fort Wayne, October 26, 2007

Save haven laws save babies’ lives

http://www.wane.com/global/story.asp?s=7273472&ClientType=Printable

FORT WAYNE–Explanation of state’s SH law; interview with ER physician Sara Brown. “As per terms of law” SH abandonments not tracked by state. 1 newborn brought to Parkview North in 2003; another to Lutheran Health Network facility, and at least 2 to Ft. Wayne fire stations.Pictures.

Indianapolis Star, October 31, 2007

Baby OK after woman drops off newborn at Eastside hospital

http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071031/LOCAL/710310492/0/LOCAL05

INDIANAPOLIS–Newborn left with Community East Hospital worker. Newborn Lifeline Network’s Kathy Satow complains that SH law hasn’t lived up to potential due to lack of promotion; about 15 SH cases. Nearly 300 comments.

PENNSYLVANIA

WYTV-TV, Youngstown (OH), October 26, 2007

Mother who abandoned baby wants second chance

http://www.wytv.com/news/local/10826231.html

SHARON–Update on Baby Jane case (BDN v7 #41, 42). As expected, prosecutor declines to file charges; says baby was alone in apartment entrance only 15-20- seconds.

Philadelphia Inquirer, October 27, 2007

Tip about abandoned baby doesn’t pan out

http://www.philly.com/inquirer/local/philadelphia/20071027_Tip_about_abandoned_baby_doesnt_pan_out.html

LANDSDOWNE–Authorities find no sign of baby after anon tip called in to state hotline.

Philadelphia Inquirer, October 31, 2007

Not-guilty plea to lesser charges in infant’s death

http://www.philly.com/inquirer/local/pa/20071031_Not-guilty_plea_to_lesser_charges_in_infants_death.html

UPPER DARBY–Update on Mia Sardella case (BDN v7 #4, 5, 8, 10-11, 21, 22, 40). DA withdraws charges of 1st degree murder and voluntary manslaughter and motion to revoke $250,000 bond after an “extensive review” of case following last month’s prelim. Sardella now charged with 3rd degree murder and lesser offenses. Picture.

SOUTH CAROLINA

GoUpstate.com, October 25, 2007

Union resident finds baby in trash

http://www.goupstate.com/article/20071025/NEWS/710250348/1051/NEWS01

UNION–Premature baby found dead in car wash trash barrel by man collecting cans; authorities determine it was stillborn. Long description of discovery.

TENNESSEE

News Channel 5, Nashville, October 29, 2007

Mother goes to jail for abandoning newborn

http://www.newschannel5.com/Global/story.asp?S=7282884

SMITHVILLE–Lillian Sosa, 18, charged with 2nd degree murder; accused of giving birth and leaving newborn to die in restaurant where she worked. Came to US from Mexico a month ago. SH used rarely in state; although not formally recognized by the state, churches, police departments and fire stations “have been known to be ’safe havens.’”Picture.

***INTERNATIONAL***

AUSTRALIA

News.com, au, October 30, 2007

Police no wiser over baby found in sanitary bin

http://www.news.com.au/story/0,23599,22669134-421,00.html

ADELAIDE–Update on TAFE case (BDN v7 #43). Police perform mass interviews with hundreds of staff and students at TAFE but fail to come up with leads. Although the public has access to restroom where body was found, authorities believe mother was familiar with building.

NAMIBIA

All Africa.com, October 26, 2007

Baby rescued from pit latrine

http://allafrica.com/stories/200710260724.html

OSHAKATI–Baby girl pulled from pit latrine shortly after birth by civilian after police were reluctant to climb in; mother, 21, arrested

All Africa.com, October 31, 2007

Mother gets five years for baby dumping

http://allafrica.com/stories/200710310287.html

OSHAKATI–Veronika Johannes, 21, mother from above story sentenced to 5 years in prison. Baby is at Oshakati State Hospital where Johannes has breastfed her under police supervision.

SOUTH AFRICA

News 24, October 26, 2997

Baby found in nature reserve

http://www.news24.com/News24/South_Africa/News/0,,2-7-1442_2209612,00.html

KWAZULU-NATAL–Mother arrested hours after leaving newborn boy at nature reserve; says she “did not know how to take care of child.”

News 24, October 29, 2007

Dog finds newborn’s head

http://www.news24.com/News24/South_Africa/News/0,,2-7-1442_2211368,00.html

PIETERMARITZBURG–Dog drags baby’s head and other body parts into yard; no signs of decomposition or torso.

BABY DUMP NEWS:

A WEEKLY E-CHRONICLE OF NEWBORN ABANDONMENT

INFANTICIDE,

SAFE HAVEN LEGISLATION

AND RELATED ISSUES

October 24, 2007–v7 #43

Distributed weekly by:

Marley Elizabeth Greiner, Executive Chair, Bastard Nation

maddogmarley@worldnet.att.net

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 and www.myspace.com/maddogmarley

***ANNOUNCEMENT***

Due to attending back-to-back conferences BDN is off schedule once again. I have broken the newsletter into 2 parts to match the original publication dates. Things should be back to normal soon.

***THIS WEEK***

KENTUCKY–Dead newborn found at Bellarmine University

NEBRASKA–Montana Sanwick pleads guilty

SOUTH CAROLINA–Nancy Grace complains about bacteria; insults guest

FRANCE–Bodies of 5 newborns found in cellar

…and more!!

***STATES***

ALABAMA

Birmingham News reprinted from the Anniston Star, October 18, 2007

Recent editorials from Alabama newspapers

http://www.al.com/newsflash/regional/index.ssf?/base/news-32/1192716551111360.xml&storylist=alabamanews

ANNISTON–Commentary on state distribution of SH lit to schools and rise in teen pregnancy in Alabama since 2002. “…we need to do all we can to replicate today what was being done a decade ago. If we can do that, then there will be less need for the pamphlets ands safe havens.”

ILLINOIS

Matoon-Charleston Journal-Gazette, October 17, 2007

Our View: If it’s necessary safe baby drop-off is good option

http://www.jg-tc.com/articles/2007/10/17/opinion/editorial/doc471543b5e3886811695416.txt

MATOON-CHARLESTON–Editorial guardedly supporting SH. “Yet it seems a sad commentary on the state of today’s society that such safe havens are deemed necessary at all. No matter the parent’s age or circumstances, it is difficult to imagine the need to go to the extreme of throwing away a helpless baby. What these kinds of action say about modern America is frightening. Still, practically, anything that saves an innocent child’s life has to be a good thing….”

Canton Daily Ledger, October 24, 2007

Canton police promote Safe Haven law

http://www.cantondailyledger.com/articles/2007/10/24/news/news02.txt

CANTON–Dawn Geras thanks Canton police chief for placing SH sign on building.

KENTUCKY

WHAS-TV, Louisville, October 24, 2007

Baby found dead in garbage

http://www.whas11.com/topstories/stories/102407whasmjdTopBabyFoundDead.19fcf8b4b.html

LOUISVILLE–Body of newborn found in Anniversary Hall at Bellarmine University. Woman tentatively ID’d as mother taken to hospital. Autopsy pending..

NEBRASKA

Action 3 News, Omaha, October 18, 2007

Mother admits she abandoned newborn son

http://www.action3news.com/Global/story.asp?S=7220809&nav=menu550_2

OMAHA–Update on Montana Sanwick case (BDN v7 #36, 37, 38, 39m 40). Sanwick pleads guilty in juvenile court; baby’s father asks for visitation rights.

SOUTH CAROLINA

WLTX-TV, Columbia, October 18, 2007

Baby found abandoned Tuesday may be up for adoption

http://www.wltx.com/news/story.aspx?storyid=54738

LEXINGTON COUNTY–Update on Baby Jane case (BDN v7 #42). DSS working to determine if baby will go up for adoption; looking for mother or family members. Police reviewing surveillance video and interviewing people who worked at hospital where baby was left. Picture.

CNN – Nancy Grace Show, October 18, 2007

Autistic hiker found/Newborn abandoned in restroom

http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0710/18/ng.01.html

Nancy Grace features Baby Jane case; complains about bacteria on women’s rooms floors. Interviews various media; tells guest defense attorney Richard Herman, “Butt out, buttinski” when she doesn’t like what he says. Complains to Mike Morrisey about lack of SH signs; Morrisey says there are 200 in Mass.

WIS-TV, Columbia, October 24, 2007

Abandoned baby in Lexington County placed in foster care

http://www.wistv.com/Global/story.asp?S=7262224

LEXINGTON COUNTY–Baby released to foster home; investigation continues.

***INTERNATIONAL***

AUSTRALIA

Sydney Telegraph, October 16, 2007

Dead baby found in TAFE toilet block, after a week

http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/story/0,22049,22595862-5005941,00.html

ADELAIDE–Body of near full-term boy found hidden in women’s toilets at TAFE SA hospitality school; probably there for week. Concern for mother. Autopsy pending.

BELGIUM

Expatica, October 23, 2007

Ostend names dead founding

http://www.expatica.com/actual/article.asp?subchannel_id=24&story_id=45221

OSTEND–Dead infant washed ashore on beach 10 days ago named Wout Xander Aaron after most popular boys names in country. Law does not permit burial without a name.

FRANCE

Brisbane (AUS) Times, October 19, 2007

Five dead newborns found in French cellar

http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/news/world/five-dead-newborns-found-in-french-cellar/2007/10/19/1192300986076.html

ROUEN–Bodies of 5 newborns found in cellar. Woman 35, admits giving birth to babies between 1999-2006. Also update on Courjault case (BDN #6 #31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 39, 42, 43-44; v7 #7) Veronique Courjault reportedly admits to killing 2 babies whose bodies were found in her home in Korea and a third child. Faces life in prison.

INDIA

The Times of India, October 20, 2007

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Indians_Abroad/Dumped_baby_gets_home_in_Canada/articleshow/2475645.cms

MANSA–2-hours hold baby girl abandoned in September adopted by “Canadian-based” couple . No details.

MALAYSIA

New Straits Times, October 20, 2007

Newborn boy flung from flats

http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/NST/Saturday/National/20071020092704/Article/index_html

PENANG–Body of newborn boy stuffed into plastic bag flung from high-rise discovered by 1st year medical student. No suspects. Picture.

Malaysia Star, October 21, 2007

Police await DNA test on dead newborn

http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2007/10/21/nation/19234189&sec=nation

PENANG–Police treating case as murder; waiting for DNA results. No record of birth found in hospitals.

RUSSIA

Russia Today, October 19, 2007

Miraculous escape: baby thrown out of window survives

http://russiatoday.ru/features/news/15745

DOMODEDOVO–Newborn girl survives being thrown out of 1st floor window shortly after birth. Mother Oksana, 26, undergoing psychological examination and treatment. Oksana’s mother, Galina, says daughter was waiting for baby, “It don’t now what made her do it. Maybe she just got scared giving birth on other own in the apartment. It was her first baby It wasn’t like she didn’t want a baby, she had been waiting for it.

BABY DUMP NEWS:

A WEEKLY E-CHRONICLE OF NEWBORN ABANDONMENT

INFANTICIDE,

SAFE HAVEN LEGISLATION

AND RELATED ISSUES

October 17, 2007–v7 #42

Distributed weekly by:

Marley Elizabeth Greiner, Executive Chair, Bastard Nation

maddogmarley@worldnet.att.net

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 and www.myspace.com/maddogmarley

***ANNOUNCEMENT***

Due to attending back-to-back conferences BDN is off schedule once again. I have broken the newsletter into 2 parts to match the original publication dates. Things should be back to normal soon.

***THIS WEEK***

ALABAMA–Schools scheduled for SH lit drop

NEBRASKA–Omaha signs on to SH resolution

NEW JERSEY–Parents charged in hospital drop-off of neglected infant

SOUTH CAROLINA–Newborn left in medical office restroom

ONTARIO–82-year old Baby Kintyre buried

ENGLAND–Newborn found on doorstep

…and more!

***STATES***

ALABAMA

WVTM-TV, Birmingham, October 15, 2007

300,000 safe haven law pamphlets going to Alabama high schools

http://www.nbc13.com/gulfcoastwest/vtm/news.apx.-content-articles-VTM-2007-10-15-0009.html

BIRMINGHAM–State will distribute 300,000 SH pamphlets. Gov. Bob Riley says being young and scared is no excuse for baby abandonment.

CALIFORNIA

Lodi News, October 12, 2007

Rescued newborn released from hospital

http://www.lodinews.com/articles/2007/10/12/news/2_baby_071012.txt

LODI–Update on Jessica Gonzalez case (BDN v7 #41). Baby first thought to be dead released to foster care doing well. Child endangerment charges will probably not apply since baby wasn’t born yet when Gonzalez, who has 2 drug convictions, ingested drugs. Gonzalez has 2 other children not in her custody. Comments.

San Francisco Chronicle, October 15, 2007

Gov. signs bills to track bullets, ban toxic toys

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2007/10/15/BAKQSPVS9.DTL&tsp=1

SACRAMENTO–Schwartzenegger vetoes AB 81 to extend SH from 72 horus to 10 days. Veto message: http://gov.ca.gov/pdf/press/2007bills/AB%2081%20Veto%20Message.pdf : “Experts have raised concerns that instead of improving child safely, increasing the time that a baby may be surrendered from 72 hours will put newborns in greater risk by keeping them in an unsafe environment without proper care and supervision.”

NEBRASKA

Omaha-Herald, October 16, 2007

Omaha councilman pushes for safe haven legislation

http://www.omaha.com/index.php?u_page=2798&u_sid=10158991&u_rss=1

OMAHA–Omaha Councilman Chuck Sigerson asks council to approve SH resolution. Sen. Arnie Stuthman says he’ll resume push for law next session. Sen. Ernie Chambers, who opposes, says the state could save more babies if legislature were willing to spend more money on prenatal care and food stamps.

KPTM-TV, Omaha, October 17, 2007

Omaha joins support for state (sic) haven law

http://www.kptm.com/Global/story.asp?S=7223540&nav=menu606_2

OMAHA–Omaha City Council approves unanimously SH resolution.

NEW JERSEY

Easton (PA) Express Times, October 11, 2007

Cops: Pair neglected baby

http://www.nj.com/news/expresstimes/nj/index.ssf?/base/news-6/1192075827165290.xml&coll=2

BUDD LAKE–Update on Hackettsville hospital case (BDN v7 #41). Sharon Sophia, 37 and Jeffrey Noel Acton, 38 charged with child endangerment of 5-month old daughter anonymously dropped off at Hackettsville Medical Center; held on $150.00 bond each. Couple arrested after neighbors contacted police after anonymously dropping her off at hospital. Patricia Haley says she found baby in plastic container, stuffed with bedding in an upstairs bedroom; no one home at time. Harry Trojhan, 18, who lives with Haley and her husband, Hal, took baby after Sophia returned home. Hal Haley says couple has grappled with poor health and bad finances over last few months after losing their home and business due to flooding. Sofia says baby born at home and has never seen doctor.

Newark Star- Ledger, October 12, 2007

Couple’s bail at $150,00 each

http://www.nj.com/news/expresstimes/nj/index.ssf?/base/news-6/1192162653157040.xml&coll=2

BUDD LAKE–Bond set at $150,00 each; Sharon Sophia says she has multiple sclerosis, heart failure, blood clots in her lungs, is partially blind, and has no medication.

PENNSYLVANIA

Youngstown (OH) Vindicator, October 11, 2007

Mother who abandoned baby unlikely to face criminal charges

http://www.vindy.com/content/local_regional/300548774481395.php

SHARON–Update on Baby Jane case (BDN v7 #41). Unnamed woman, 20, ID’d as mother who left baby on doorstep. Mercer County DA says investigation reveals that baby may have only been alone for a few minutes and that mother knew responsible adult would find it. No charges expected.

Solannconews. com, October 17, 2007

Law strives to offer safe place for unwanted babies, prevents abandonment

http://www.solanconews.com/Gov/Articles/2007/071017_safehaven.htm

HARRISBURG–Another reminder from PA officials about SH law; references Baby Jane case. “While we are greatly relieved to learn that the girl was unharmed, this is exactly the kind of situation that our safe haven law was designed to prevent,” says Public Welfare Sec. Estelle B Richman. “When young women are not prepared for the responsibilities of parenthood often they are afraid and unsure of where to turn for help We want them to know that there is a safe, legal and confidential option for them and their child.”

SOUTH CAROLINA

WIS-TV, Columbia, October 16, 2007

Investigators seek mother who abandoned baby in W. Columbia restroom

http://www.wistv.com/Global/story.asp?S=7227215&nav=menu36_3

WEST COLUMBIA–Police seek help from public in identifying and locating mother of newborn girl left in handicapped stall in restroom of medical office. Accompanying note said she was born at 2:30 that afternoon. “Maybe they had a baby out of wedlock. Maybe they didn’t want to be identified as having a baby . There could be a lot of reasons that baby was left, but we need to find mother and relatives of baby so we can determine what we need to do as far as care is concerned,” says, Sheriff James Metts. Doesn’t know if mother, who may have been caught on security camera, will be prosecuted. Pictures.

News 19, Greenville, October 17, 2007

Newborn baby found in Union County garbage can

http://www.wspa.com/midatlantic/spa/news.apx.-content-articles-SPA-2007-10-23-0019.html

UNION COUNTY–Body of premature girl, stuffed in purse, found in garbage can at Classic Car Wash. Picture, Comments.

***CANADA***

ONTARIO

Ottawa Citizen, October 10, 2007

$10,000 bail for woman charged in newborn’s death

http://www.canada.com/ottawacitizen/news/city/story.html?id=762474e9-258b-4528-bfc6-ab5233cdf60d&k=63970

OTTAWA– Angela Kuehl, 26, charged with 2nd degree murder for allegedly killing newborn son and putting in in garbage. Ordered to live at parents home, turn over passport, check in with police every week, stay in Ottawa and attend mental health counseling, and to not have contact boyfriend Gelu Gheorghe. Investigation began in April when Kuehl went to hospital suffering from complications after birth of what was believed to be stillborn baby. Body later found in garbage truck intercepted by police. Family and Gheorghe supportive.

CBC News, October 13, 2007

Mummified baby buried in emotional ceremony

http://www.cbc.ca/canada/toronto/story/2007/10/12/babies-buried.html

RICHMOND HILLS–Update on Baby Kintyre (BDN v7 #31, 35, 40) and Baby Lief (BDN v7 #14, 35, 40) cases. Both babies buried at Elgin Mills Cemetery. CBC News obtains mental health records through FOIA request indicating that more than one of the occupants of the home where Baby Kintyre remains were found had mental health issues. In 1934 Della Russell was admitted to Ontario Hospital repeating “I’m a murderer but I can’t get away. I’m a murderer by I can’t get away.” Later diagnosed with involutional melancholia, a depressive disorder than can occur later in life. Died in 1953 at Toronto’s Queen St. Sanitarium. Husband Wesley Russell suffered from depression for 3 years starting in 1925, the year of baby’s death. Niece now 92 who lived at the address in 1925 believes Della’s sister Alla Mae Rutter may be the mother. Psychiatric historian says raving of person suffering from melancholia shouldn’t be trusted

***INTERNATIONAL***

ENGLAND

BBC News, October 15, 2007

Baby abandoned on house doorstep

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/west_midlands/7044989.stm

BIRMINGHAM–Man finds newborn on doorstep; no knock on door and no one on street; in good condition. Baby’s cord clamped, appears to show he was born with proper medical supervision. Pictures.

GHANA

Modern Ghana, October 17, 2007

Baby dumped

http://www.modernghana.com/GhanaHome/NewsArchive/news_details.asp?menu_id=1&id=VFZSUk1VMTZSVEU9

ASHAMAN–Police looking for “good Samaritan” who buried without authorization, remains of unidentified baby girl found in Gbame dam. Assemblyman for area, Abdul-Aziz Suleyman said he found body floating in river and left to report it to police When he returned he found the body had been removed and buried close to drain. Picture.

INDIA

Telegraph India, October 13, 2007

Newborn abandoned

http://www.telegraphindia.com/1071013/asp/calcutta/story_8427737.asp

BALLY–Newborn boy found near garbage dump at Ghoshpara Bazar in stable condition. Discovered by 6-year old boy who alerted his family who tended to bird wounds. Police take baby to hospital with no pediatric ward, then to another hospital where he was refused admittance due to lack of infrastructure. Finally taken to district hospital. Large number of people at Ghoshpara Bazar want to adopt him, one even offered money for him.

DNA, October 17, 2007

2-day old girl found injured and abandoned in Thane

http://www.dnaindia.com/report.asp?newsid=1128154

THANE–2-day old girl found beneath bridge, admitted to JJ Hospital with severe injuries to lower half of body; in critical but stable condition.

BABY DUMP NEWS:

A WEEKLY E-CHRONICLE OF NEWBORN ABANDONMENT

INFANTICIDE,

SAFE HAVEN LEGISLATION

AND RELATED ISSUES

October 10, 2007–v7 #41

Distributed weekly by:

Marley Elizabeth Greiner, Executive Chair, Bastard Nation

maddogmarley@worldnet.att.net

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 and www.myspace.com/maddogmarley

***ANNOUNCEMENT***

I am attending the Association for the Study of Adoption, Identity, and Kinship conference at Pitt next week directly followed by presenting at the Ethica/ EB Donaldson Ethics and Accountability conference in Virginia. BDN will undoubtedly off schedule again.

***THIS WEEK***

CALIFORNIA–Teen leaves baby with stranger at bus stop

NEW JERSEY–Man hands baby over to hospital

PENNSYLVANIA–Baby left on stairs

ENGLAND–No charge to be filed against former reporter

…and more!

***STATES***

CALIFORNIA

News 10, Sacramento, October 4, 2007

Lodi infant thought dead now improving

http://www.news10.net/display_story.aspx?storyid=33554

LODI– Boy with meth in system found in toilet shortly after birth; paramedics thought he was stillborn, but was revived at hospital. Mother Jessica Gonzalez, 28 found unconscious in bathroom. Felony endangerment charges expected to be filed. Picture

KCAL-TV, Los Angeles, October 7, 2007

Newborn left in closet by his teenage mom dies

http://cbs2.com/topstories/local_story_280214222.html

HUNTINGTON PARK–Newborn found in teen mother’s closet unconscious and not breathing, dies. Discovered after mother went to hospital for treatment. No arrests.

Sacramento Bee, October 9, 2007

Teenage girl leaves baby with stranger

http://www.sacbee.com/101/story/421994.html

SACRAMENTO–Teenager approaches woman at bus stop and asks if she’d hold newborn while she prepares bottle of milk; then leaves. Baby taken to hospital is in good health; does not appear to have been born in medical setting. Mother may be charged with neglect. Picture.

FLORIDA

WPLG-TV, Miami, October 4, 2007

Cause of death undetermined for baby found in jar

http://www.local10.com/news/14270247/detail.html

WEST PALM BEACH–Update on pickle jar case (BDN v7 #10-11). ME can’t determine cause of death of 7-month fetus whose remains were found in 2- ga.l jar during road construction. Body contained traces of pain-killers. Picture.

ILLINOIS

Chicago Tribune, October 4, 2007

Girl, 15, guilty of killing newborn

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-newborn_04oct04,0,1777561.story?coll=chi_tab02_layout

SAUK VILLAGE–Update on Sauk Village case (BDN v6 #43-44, 45, 46, 47, 49, 50). Unnamed girl, 15, convicted of 2nd degree murder and concealing a homicide. Verdict came after 20 minute trial in which both sides agreed on the evidence in case. Girl had been removed from her biological parents earlier for excessive corporal punishment and other abuse. Foster mother told her if she brought a “bastard” home she’d kick her out.

NEBRASKA

KearneyHub.com ,October 6, 2007

Letter to the Editor: Think of babies’ safety

http://www.kearneyhub.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=18890926&BRD=268&PAG=461&dept_id=577573&rfi=6

KEARNEY–”If we did have the law, we would not have thse problems. Females would not leave infants in random places as often.”

NEW JERSEY

Newark Star-Ledger, October 8, 2007

Baby abandoned at hospital in Hackettstown

http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2007/10/baby_abandoned_at_hospital_in.html

HACKETTSTOWN–Over weekend man hands baby to worker at Hackettstown Regional Medical Center over and runs out door. Infant described as 3-5 months old weighing only 9 lb;4 oz. Outside of a leg rash, baby is in good condition. Police investigating. Comments

NEW YORK

Middletown Times Herald-Record, October 7, 2007

Dead baby found in Deerpark

http://www.recordonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071006/NEWS/71006037

DEERPARK–Baby, as old as 2 weeks, found dead in garbage bag behind trailer home ; case treated as homicide. Autopsy performed but results not released.

Poughkeepsie Journal, October 8, 2007

Mother charged with killing her newborn baby

http://www.Poughkeepsie.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071008/NEWS05/71008013

DEERPARK–Christine Maher, 37, arrested for killing baby born on Sept. 24. Maher has been in jail on unrelated charge and was questioned by state police after release.

PENNSYLVANIA

WPXI-TV, Pittsburgh, October 4, 23007

Newborn baby found wrapped in windbreaker on stairs

http://www.wpxi.com/news/14273269/detail.html

SHARON–Newborn girl found on stairs.

Sharon Herald, October 5, 2007

Abandoned tot is in good health

http://www.sharonherald.com/local/local_story_277214122.html

SHARON–Baby appears to be in good health; Mercer County CYS has temporary custody. Woman from Greenville visiting relatives found baby now known as Baby Jane. CYS director says she can’t remember a newborn abandonment case in 20 years on job.

***INTERNATIONAL***

CANADA

Canada.com, October 6, 2007

Saskatoon Star Phoenix, October 8, 2007

Woman charged in baby’s death

http://www.canada.com/saskatoonstarphoenix/news/national/story.html?id=2740dee9-f261-4260-a143-76656ae14ca1

OTTAWA–Unnamed woman 26, charged with 2nd degree murder in death of newborn found in garbage truck. Remains discovered after woman went to hospital for treatment.

***INTERNATIONNAL***

BRUNEI

Bruenei Direct.com, October 5,23007

Newborn dumped in shoebox

http://www.brudirect.com/DailyInfo/News/Archive/Oct07/061007/nite02.htm

KAMPONG MUMONG—-Newborn in shoebox placed inside plastic bag found by housemaid in backyard. Baby in good health.

ENGLAND

Hold the Front Page.co, October 5, 2007

No charges expected against dead baby journalist

http://www.holdthefrontpage.co.uk/news/2007/10oct/071005cps.shtml

ILKESTON–Update on Emma Kerns case (BDN v7 #37). Coroner says he was unable to determine cause of death; no charges expected to be filed against Kerns. Kerns, a former reporter for the Illkson Advertiser, hid pregnancy and gave birth at home. After baby died she took it to hospital.

IRELAND

BBC News, October 5, 2007

Appeal over dead baby discovery

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/northern_ireland/7029118.stm

CO DOWN–Police investigating death of Baby Stewart, whose grave was found on Oct. 6, 2000′ ask mother to come forward to help her come to terms with tragedy. Also welcome contact with father. Memorial erected in Old Gasworks area where remains were found.

SCOTLAND

The Scotsman, October 17, 2007

Mother of dead baby found on cycle track is traced

http://news.scotsman.com/scotland.cfm?id=1616122007

GLASGOW–Update on bike trail case (BDN v7 # 40). Unnamed woman, 22, alleged to be mother of dead newborn, located by authorities Investigation pending.

ZIMBABWE

All Africa.com, October 9, 2007

Woman dumps baby

http://allafrica.com/stories/200710090194.html

KUWADZANA–Patience Gweshe, 20, angry that boyfriend ditched her, leaves 2-week baby on stranger’s doorstep. Returns 2 days later claiming to be baby’s aunt asking for his return. Charged with exposing an infant.