ICYMI: Teen Arrested After Deceased Newborn Found in Idaho Hospital’s Baby Box
A chilling discovery in Idaho’s Safe Haven Baby Box leads to an arrest after a newborn was found dead—now authorities seek answers in this heartbreaking case. 🌐 #News #BinghamCountyID #Idaho #Crime
BINGHAM COUNTY, ID – A troubling discovery was made at Grove Creek Medical Center in Blackfoot, Idaho, when a newborn baby was found dead inside a Safe Haven baby box. The baby girl, still attached to her placenta, was placed in the box designed for the anonymous surrender of unharmed infants. Authorities have arrested an 18-year-old woman in connection with the baby’s death.
Discovery of the Infant
On October 13, hospital staff responded to an alarm indicating that a baby had been placed in the Safe Haven Baby Box at the medical center. Upon investigating, they found the baby wrapped in a blanket with her placenta still attached. The baby had been deceased for some time before being left in the box. This box is intended for parents to surrender newborns under 30 days old without legal repercussions, provided the infant is unharmed.
According to the Blackfoot Police Department, “The Safe Haven Baby Box is intended to safely and anonymously allow custodial parents to surrender a newborn under 30 days old without legal repercussions, provided the child is unharmed.” The department also made it clear that “Unfortunately, the placement of a harmed or deceased infant is not protected under the system of Idaho law.”
Arrest and Charges
Following an investigation, 18-year-old Angel Newberry was arrested in connection with the deceased infant. She has been charged with failing to report a death to law enforcement officials and the coroner. Newberry is currently being held at Bingham County Jail, with additional charges possibly forthcoming as the investigation continues.
The case has raised serious concerns about the misuse of the Safe Haven system, which was created to protect infants in desperate situations. Safe Haven Baby Boxes founder, Monica Kelsey, expressed deep sorrow over the incident, stating she is heartbroken over the “illegal, deadly abandonment.”
Legal Protections and the Safe Haven Law
The Safe Haven program provides an option for parents who feel they are unable to care for their newborns to safely surrender them, no questions asked, as long as the baby is unharmed. The law aims to reduce the risk of infant abandonment and prevent tragic outcomes. However, Idaho law specifically prohibits the surrender of a child who is harmed or deceased.
The discovery of the baby’s body has brought attention to the limitations of the law, as well as the serious consequences for misusing such systems. Authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the baby’s death.
Reflecting on the Tragedy
This case is a heartbreaking reminder of the vulnerable lives at the center of such tragedies. While laws like the Safe Haven Baby Box program offer hope and safety for children, the pain of this loss is undeniable. As we process this tragedy, we are reminded of the importance of compassion, support, and understanding in these complex situations.
Matthew 5:4 reminds us, “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” May this verse bring peace to those mourning the loss of this precious life and to the family of the accused, who now face the painful consequences of their actions.
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