Autopsy Shows Infant Was Alive At Time Of Being Dumped: Perris

PERRIS, CA — An infant who was found dead Friday in the trash at a waste collection facility in Perris was alive at the time of being discarded, the Riverside County Sheriff's Department announced Monday.

"Earlier today an autopsy was performed, and it was determined that the infant was alive at birth and not a stillbirth," sheriff's Sgt. Michael Hamilton said Monday.

Sheriff's homicide investigators have taken over the case, Hamilton said.

Deputies were called about 1 p.m. to the CR&R Environmental Services facility at 1706 Goetz Road after a report of a dead body.

"Upon arrival, deputies discovered a deceased infant who was discarded in the trash and found at the location," Hamilton said.

The sheriff's department is looking for clues in the case and is reminding residents that California has a law in place in which parents or people with lawful custody can safely surrender an infant within 72 hours of birth, with no questions asked.

An infant can be handed to an employee at any hospital emergency department, most fire stations or other designated “safe havens” in California without the fear of arrest or prosecution, as long as the baby has not been abused or neglected, Hamilton said. Learn more here.

The sheriff's department urged anyone with information on the death to call Investigator Magana at 951-955-2777.

"If you know of someone who was recently pregnant and is no longer pregnant, but they have not been seen with a newborn baby," the Riverside County Sheriff's Department encourages you to call [the number above], Hamilton said.