From the archives: Dead baby case circulates statewide in 2001

Editor's Note: This story from Press Journal archives was published in the newspaper Feb. 25, 2001.

INDIAN RIVER COUNTY − The Indian River County Sheriff's Office is broadcasting television commercials throughout Florida about a dead infant found in a local canal Feb. 6.

"We are nowhere," Capt. Mary Hogan said. "No tips have been called in."

Because they have no leads here, deputies believe the mother lives elsewhere, she said, noting Gainesville and Tallahassee as two cities where the Florida law enforcement agencies have been sent a news release, flier and personal cover letter with a request for assistance.

Hogan said the commercial and press release ask if anyone knows of a woman who was pregnant for nine months, is not now and does not have the infant.

Deputies are just as concerned about identifying the infant as they are about the mother's welfare, Hogan said.

Medical and mental health issues that possibly caused her to discard the infant could prove harmful to herself or others.

People with information are asked to call Crimestoppers at (800) 273-TIPS.

"We just have to hope to get the networking in a wide enough arc," Hogan said.

The 7-pound girl was discovered dead in a canal near the 2600 block of 82nd Avenue. An autopsy was inconclusive as to the cause or time of death, but several tests are still being evaluated, Hogan said.

The medical examiner did determine the child was a fully-developed newborn that had been in the canal water for at least two days. The infant is Caucasian, possibly Hispanic, and had no signs of trauma to her body.

This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: From the archives: Dead baby case circulates statewide in 2001