In a harrowing incident in Phoenix, Arizona, police officers saved a newborn's life after the child's mother was found deceased inside their apartment. The Phoenix Police Department responded to a neighbor's call on May 14, urging officers to perform a wellness check on a woman who had not been seen for days after recently giving birth. According to CBS News, bodycam footage reveals the moment officers, observing through an unlocked window, discovered the mother on the floor and proceeded to force entry into the apartment to rescue the infant.
Found "laying on the bed visibly emaciated," the baby was quickly attended to by Phoenix Fire Department personnel, who transported the child to the hospital for essential care. Despite the child's grave condition upon discovery, the police reported that the baby is expected to recover fully. The Maricopa County Medical Examiner's office has taken up the investigation into the mother's untimely death, her name has not been disclosed per information obtained by CBS News.
On the other end, ABC15 reported that family members have identified the deceased mother as 31-year-old Jade Hardin, and her newborn daughter as Harmony. The bodycam footage, released by Phoenix Police, illustrated a frantic scene as officers breached the door to reach the baby, discovering the mother had passed away. Neighbors had noticed packages piling up at Hardin's door prior to the welfare call that prompted the police visit.
"The baby's still alive," an officer is heard saying in the footage. The apartment showed "no signs of foul play," as stated by Phoenix Police Sgt. Brian Bower to ABC15. Meanwhile, Hardin's family, residing in Dayton, Ohio, received the tragic news with her sister, Rachel Hardin, recounting the "worst phone call of my life." The Department of Child Safety is actively involved in the case and will play a role in deciding the next steps for baby Harmony, ensuring the child's welfare moving forward.
Community members, moved by the ordeal, began dropping off diapers at the police department to offer their support. Gratitude was expressed by the family for the neighbor's intervention. "Very thankful for the neighbor and whoever you are," Timesha Hardin, the sister of Jade, told ABC15. "Thank you so much. We do appreciate it." As investigators continue to probe into Hardin's cause of death, the community's focus remains on supporting the now orphaned Harmony, who has been given a second chance at life after her perilous start.
