Yuma, Arizona, is grappling with a heartbreaking mystery after a deceased newborn was found in a hotel garbage can. Yesterday, an employee at a Best Western hotel in Yuma, near the crossroads of Castle Dome Avenue and Yuma Palms Parkway, reported the tragic discovery, prompting police response around 10 a.m.
The baby boy is believed to have been left in the trash sometime between the late hours of April 30 and the morning of the following day. According to AZ Family, police are investigating the death as suspicious, but currently, there are no suspects, and the investigation is still ongoing.
A call has been issued for information from the public. Anyone who might have information related to this tragic event is encouraged to contact the Yuma Police Department at 928-373-4700 or 928-782-7463, offering anonymity and a potential cash reward for valuable tips.
Amidst the investigation, the Yuma Police Department has taken the opportunity to remind residents of Arizona's Safe Haven Law. This legislation allows mothers to give up their babies safely and anonymously, avoiding prosecution. Covered "safe haven" locations include hospitals, ambulances, adoption agencies, on-duty fire stations, and designated churches. When a baby is picked up from one of these places, given under the Safe Haven Law, "You must hand your baby to a person at the above locations or may place the baby in the Safe Haven drawer at designated hospitals. Tell them this is a Safe Haven baby and you may leave. Your baby will be cared for and a good home will be found for the baby," police said in a statement cited by a FOX 10 Phoenix report. For those seeking more information or assistance regarding the Safe Haven Law, a crisis response team is available 24/7 at 1-866-707-2229.
