Police are investigating the death of a 1-day-old girl found Sunday in Indianapolis' Eagle Creek Park and are searching for the baby's mother.
A hiker discovered the child's body Sunday afternoon and notified police,
according to the Indianapolis Star. Police said the baby was found about 30 yards from a parking area, and was pronounced dead at the scene by emergency workers.
Indianapolis Metropolis Police Department Spokesman Rafael Diaz told the Star an autopsy was scheduled for Monday.
The IMPD said the baby was wrapped in a blue sweatshirt with a logo that read, "Aviation Maintenance Vincennes University-Indianapolis."
Police ask that anyone who recognizes the clothing or can provide information about the crime to notify detectives at 317-327-3475, or Crime Stoppers at 317-262-8477.
Sadly, crimes such as this aren't new. In February, a deceased newborn was found in the brush along a Washington State highway, with its umbilical cord still attached.
The Indianapolis tragedy comes despite Indiana's Safe Haven Law that allows caregivers to anonymously give up an unwanted baby less than 30 days old to any hospital emergency room, police station, or fire station in Indiana without fear of legal consequence. Those babies would then be placed with the Indiana Division of Family and Social Services Administration before going to a foster or pre-adoptive home.
Citing a July 2013 report in the Purdue Exponent,
LifeNews.com reported the Safe Haven Law has been used just four times in Indiana, out of the 2,879 children who have been given up nationally.