KEARNS, Utah (KSTU Fox 13 Now) — Authorities are investigating after an infant was found in a garbage can at a Kearns home Tuesday morning.
Detective Jared Richardson said medical crews determined the baby was born over the weekend and the mother put the infant in the garbage Tuesday at about 6 a.m. before going to work.
Crews said the garbage can belonged to the next-door neighbor near 5300 S. and 5200 W.
Neighbors said they heard a noise coming from the can and thought it was a kitten at first before finding the newborn.
Officials said the mother is 24 and they do not believe she has any other children.
The infant was suffering from hypothermia and remains in critical condition at a local hospital.
Police have not confirmed any information on the child’s father at this time.
Help is available for all newborns and mothers with Utah’s Newborn Safe Haven law.
In May 2001, a state-wide law went into effect in Utah allowing birth parents to anonymously give up custody of their newborn child without facing any legal consequences.
The Utah Newborn Safe Haven has a toll-free hotline (1-866-458-0058) available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
