A Portland man received a four-year prison sentence for the death of his infant daughter, known in the community as "Baby Precious," a case that had been unresolved for over a decade. On Friday, Alnath Omar Oliver, 53, pleaded guilty to criminally negligent homicide in connection with her death back in 2013. Court documents reveal that Oliver also faced charges of third-degree rape, which were dismissed in a plea deal. The baby's body was discovered in a recycling center, which led to a citywide outcry and a prolonged mystery.
According to KPTV, the infant girl, who was ultimately identified as Amara, was found at the EFI Recycling Center on Swan Island on May 28, 2013. It wasn't until December 2021 when an anonymous tip led to a family connection and, following extensive investigative work by the Portland Police Cold Case Unit, Oliver was charged by a Multnomah County grand jury in September 2023. He was initially indicted on additional counts, including second-degree manslaughter and first-degree criminal mistreatment.
In an interview, Portland Police Det. Brendan McGuire detailed the defendant's actions, saying, "From the moment the defendant was aware of the pregnancy, he prevented the mother from seeking any medical care, prenatal care or other, including after, in the immediate, she gave birth on his floor and he prevented her from seeking any medical attention." McGuusal explained how Oliver took Amara and, believing her to be unresponsive, disposed of her instead of seeking medical aid. McGuire's interview was reported by KOIN.
This sentencing also brought to the forefront Oregon's Safe Haven Law, which allows newborns up to 30 days old to be left safely with employees at medical facilities, hospitals, birthing centers, police stations, or fire stations in Oregon. The Portland community had rallied around the unknown infant years ago, even holding a memorial service for Amara, with attendees from across the area. As noted by OregonLive, Oliver's sentencing closes a painful chapter but also highlights critical social issues surrounding infant safety and welfare.
