Idaho Teen Arrested in Connection with Infant Found Dead in Safe Haven Baby Box
Arrest Made in Connection with Infant’s Death
An 18-year-old from Twin Falls, Idaho, has been arrested in connection with the body of an infant found last month at a hospital in a box meant for people to anonymously give up a newborn, police said Friday.
Felony Arrest Warrant Issued
The Blackfoot Police Department said in a social media post that the 18-year-old was arrested and booked into the Bingham County Jail on a felony arrest warrant for failing to report a death to law enforcement officials and the coroner.
Background on the Incident
Police in Blackfoot responded to a report on October 13 of a deceased baby left at Grove Creek Medical Center. According to Safe Haven Baby Boxes founder Monica Kelsey, hospital staff responded immediately to an alarm indicating a baby was in the box and realized that the infant had died before being placed inside.
Idaho Law and the Safe Haven Baby Box
Idaho law only allows for the surrender of an infant who is unharmed. 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. However, the placement of a harmed or deceased infant is not protected under this system or Idaho law.
Details of the Incident
The baby was wrapped in a blanket, and the placenta was still attached, Kelsey said previously.
Police Not Releasing Further Information
Police are not releasing further information in part because more charges could be filed.
FAQs
Q: What is the purpose of the Safe Haven Baby Box?
A: 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.
Q: What is the law regarding the surrender of infants in Idaho?
A: Idaho law only allows for the surrender of an infant who is unharmed.
Q: What happened in this incident?
A: An 18-year-old from Twin Falls, Idaho, was arrested in connection with the body of an infant found last month at a hospital in a box meant for people to anonymously give up a newborn, police said.
Q: Why was the 18-year-old arrested?
A: The 18-year-old was arrested on a felony arrest warrant for failing to report a death to law enforcement officials and the coroner.
