07-05-2025
Haunting photo of hours-old newborn dumped in trash can with umbilical cord still attached
A chilling image has captured a newborn baby boy who was discovered abandoned next to a dumpster with his umbilical cord still attached.
The tiny infant was found crying beside the trash at an apartment complex in Riverside, California, on Sunday afternoon after residents reported hearing a baby's cries coming from the area.
Police are now searching tirelessly for the mother who abandoned the helpless newborn.
Officers responded to the 3800 block of Jackson Street around 2:30pm, when they discovered the helpless newborn still breathing, according to a news release by the Riverside Police Department.
'When officers arrived, they found a newborn baby boy lying next to a dumpster, breathing, crying, and with the umbilical cord still attached,' the news release states.
Paramedics rushed the baby to a hospital directly across the street where he is now reported to be in 'good health and stable condition.'
Riverside Police Department investigators believe the baby was delivered just hours before being abandoned and fear the mother may need medical attention.
A haunting photo has captured the hours-old newborn getting treatment in the hospital.
'Our primary concern is locating the mother to ensure her own health and safety, and getting her any medical care or support she may need,' the police spokesperson wrote.
Detectives are asking for the public's help in identifying anyone who may have been recently pregnant but is now without a newborn.
Detective Jessica Iniguez, who is leading the investigation, urged anyone with information to come forward.
Authorities emphasized that California's Safely Surrendered Baby Law allows parents to legally hand over newborns within 72 hours of birth with no questions asked - a measure specifically designed to prevent dangerous abandonments.
Under the law, which was made permanent in 2006, parents can surrender babies at any hospital or fire station in Riverside County without fear of prosecution.
The incident has sparked outrage from the local community, with many expressing relief that the baby was found alive.
'Bless his little heart,' one user commented. 'Thank you Lord for watching over him and leading the Good Samaritan to find him, calling the police. My gut tells me it's a young teenage mom
Many offered support and help, with some local residents even asking if they can adopt the newborn.
'How can I take care of him? I would love to help this little one,' wrote one user.
Another commented: 'I have breastmilk I'd love to donate to feed this sweetie!!! It has colostrum and will benefit baby so much.'
Others pointed out that we still don't know the whole story and should not be quick to judge the mother before the truth comes out.
'For everyone blaming the mother you have no idea what the circumstances could be. It's possible that the mother is not the one who dropped the baby off and the mother is in a horrible situation.'
'This is a reminder that we as neighbors need to look out for our other neighbors and if you see something suspicious report it. Hopefully this baby finds a home that will love him unconditionally and hopefully the mother is OK as well.'
