Distinct trait prompts probe into whether baby found in South LA dumpster is missing infant
Baby found dead in South LA dumpster
LAPD detectives are investigating whether an infant found dead in a South LA dumpster is missing 4-month-old baby Luna after family members identified a unique physical trait.
LOS ANGELES - A homicide investigation is underway in South Los Angeles after a dead baby girl was discovered inside a trash dumpster late Monday night.
What we know:
The grisly discovery was made around 10:30 p.m. Monday when neighbor Martha and her daughter were throwing away trash near 5221 Alba Street.
After feeling something unusual inside a heavy black plastic bag, Martha used her daughter's cell phone flashlight to illuminate the contents, initially mistaking the infant for a doll before realizing it was a baby and having her daughter call 911.
Paramedics rushed the baby girl to a hospital where she was pronounced dead, with authorities noting she appeared to have suffered some type of trauma and that evidence gathered at the scene indicates a homicide.
The investigation escalated Tuesday morning when grandparents Laura and Herman, who live less than half a block away, saw news reports around 4 a.m. regarding the infant who had six toes on her left foot—a rare physical trait shared by their four-month-old granddaughter, Luna.
When they demanded to see Luna, their 18-year-old adopted daughter claimed the baby was sleeping, then claimed she gave the child to her biological father, and later returned with a cell phone photo claiming Luna was fine, though the grandmother noticed the infant in the photo was wearing different clothing.
The Los Angeles Police Department's Abused Child Unit is leading the investigation.
What we don't know:
The Los Angeles County Coroner's office has not officially confirmed whether the deceased infant found in the dumpster is baby Luna.
Police have not released an official cause of death beyond noting signs of trauma.
The exact whereabouts of the child's biological father remain unknown.
Timeline:
- Monday, 6 p.m.: Grandparents Laura and Herman last see baby Luna alive before believing she was being put to sleep for the night.
- Monday, 10:30 p.m.: Martha and her daughter discover an infant inside a black bag in a dumpster near 5221 Alba Street, leading neighbors to call 911 and attempt CPR before paramedics transport the child to the hospital.
- Tuesday, 4 a.m.: The grandparents wake up, see news reports mentioning an infant found with six toes on her left foot, and immediately attempt to check on Luna.
- Tuesday Morning: LAPD patrol officers arrive at the apartment unit, securing both exits while waiting for Abused Child Unit detectives to arrive and interview the 18-year-old mother.
What's next:
Detectives from the LAPD's Abused Child Unit plan to question the 18-year-old mother. Authorities will continue working alongside the county coroner to make a formal identification of the deceased infant and trace the timeline leading to her death.
What you can do:
Anyone with information regarding this case or the whereabouts of the child's biological father is urged to contact the LAPD immediately.
The Source: This report is based on information released by the Los Angeles Police Department. Additional details are provided by the child's adoptive grandparents, local resident Martha who discovered the infant, and direct coordination with the LAPD lieutenant leading the Abused Child Unit's investigation. City News Service contributed.