Newborn Found Dead in North Philly

Police found the baby girl's body on the front porch of a North Philly home

Philadelphia police say a newborn infant was found dead on the porch of a north Philadelphia home - and they are concerned about the condition of the mother.

Police say medics were called shortly after 9 a.m. Saturday to a home on the 4900 block of N. Marvine Street in the Logan section of the city, where they found the baby girl's body on the front porch. They say the infant still had the umbilical cord attached and was wrapped in a brown blanket.

Residents rushed outside to see the baby.

"A lot of children don't know that you can leave a child at a fire station or hospital and nothing can happen to you," Demetrius Chisholm said.

In Pennsylvania, the Safe Haven Law says newborns under 28 days of age may be left with hospital staff. The mother won't be prosecuted if the baby is unharmed. But in some states, like NJ, the statute includes police stations.

Police say they are concerned about the well-being of the unknown mother, who they say may be in need of medical assistance.

Police say the baby may have been alive when she was abandoned.

Authorities are asking anyone with information about the case to call the police Special Victims Unit or 911.


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