Indianapolis, IN – Police are actively investigating the death of an infant found in Brookside Park, located in east Indianapolis, after the child’s body was discovered by a passerby on Monday afternoon.
Discovery of the Infant
According to the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD), officers responded to the scene at 3500 Brookside Parkway South Drive shortly before 3 p.m. on Monday. A passerby had reportedly located the deceased infant in a wooded area within the park.
IMPD detectives believe the male child was less than a day old at the time of discovery, though the exact cause of death remains under investigation.
Authorities Join the Investigation
Detectives from the IMPD Child Abuse Unit are leading the investigation, and they are being assisted by officials from the Department of Child Services and the Marion County Coroner’s Office.
The investigation is ongoing as authorities work to uncover the circumstances surrounding the infant’s death.
Call for Information
Detective Robert Burns from the IMPD Child Abuse Unit is urging anyone with information about the incident to come forward. Tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers anonymously at 317-262-TIPS, or directly to Detective Burns via email at Robert.Burns@indy.gov or by phone at 317-765-6096.
Indiana’s Safe Haven Law
In light of this tragic discovery, the Indiana Department of Child Services reminds the public about the state’s Safe Haven Law, which allows mothers in crisis to give up an unwanted infant anonymously at designated Safe Haven locations, such as hospitals or fire stations, without fear of prosecution.
The law provides an avenue for mothers to safely relinquish their infants if they are unable to care for them, as long as there are no signs of intentional abuse on the child.
“As long as there are no signs of intentional abuse on the baby, no information is required of the person leaving the baby,” the Department of Child Services stated on its website.
Conclusion
The investigation into the death of this infant is still in its early stages, and authorities are working tirelessly to piece together the circumstances surrounding the case. The community is encouraged to report any information that could assist in the investigation.
Do you have any information that could help solve this case? Contact Detective Burns or Crime Stoppers today.
