New Jersey

Police Release Sketch of Newborn Found in NJ Dump; Appeal for Help to Find Mother

**WARNING: This story below contains graphic content**


Authorities released a sketch of a newborn, whose headless body was found in a Monmouth County, New Jersey garbage dump in November, in hopes of tracking down the child's mother.

A ReCommunity Recycling employee found the body of the infant on Nov. 11, 2014, in a dumpster at the Farmingdale, New Jersey facility, prompting investigators to conduct a thorough search of the surrounding refuse, according to the New Jersey State Police.

Police discovered the infant's head, two blood-stained blouses, which are a petite to medium size, and a shopping bag from an Orange, New Jersey retail store nearby.

Authorities suspect the clothing and the bag are connected to the mother of the infant, who was named Emma Grace by the Ardena Baptist Church. Hair characteristics indicate the baby is of mixed race, possibly of Hispanic origin, according to NJSP.

A funeral service for Emma Grace will be held at the Howell, New Jersey church on Saturday at 3:30 p.m.

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An autopsy did not determine the cause and manner of death. However, police say evidence suggests the full-term infant girl was not stillborn and breathed before she died. She was 21.5 inches long, and weighed 7-pounds and 5-ounces when she was found, police said.

An FBI expert said he believes the child's mother tossed her in the trash and may have been trying to hide her pregnancy. The expert added the mother may have been living a different lifestyle during the pregnancy and subsequently returned to her normal routine after the birth, the NJSP said.

Detectives said they hope the composite sketch or items of clothing will help someone recognize the infant and lead to the baby's mother. There is no evidence indicated the mother was a victim of foul play, however authorities have not ruled that possibility out.

The Monmouth County Crime Stoppers are offering a $5,00 reward for information leading to the identity of the newborn's mom.

Anyone with information is urged to contact New Jersey State Police Detective Sergeant Francis Robina at 609-882-2200 extension 2538 or Detective Brian Weisbrot of the Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office at 1-800-533-7443.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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