Unattended Birth Being Investigated

Los Angeles: At about 10:30 AM, on November 10, 2004, police responded to conduct a possible death investigation at Saint Joseph Hospital in Burbank. Officers learned that an 18 year-old Filipino female had gone to the hospital emergency room seeking medical treatment for complications from the unassisted delivery of a baby at her house earlier in the day. The mother indicated the birth was stillborn and that she had disposed of the fetus/baby in the trashcan behind her house.

Uniformed officers and detectives went to the mother’s residence, located in the 13000 block Goleta Street, in Pacoima. The lifeless body of a baby girl was found in the trashcan as described by the mother.

The Juvenile Division, Abused Child Unit, is conducting the investigation pending results of the Los Angeles County Coroner’s Medical Forensics Investigation.

Anyone with information that may assist in this investigation is urged to call the Abused Child Unit, at 213 485-4220. On weekends and during off-hours, please call the 24-hour, toll free number at 1-877-LAWFULL (1-877-529-3855).

This news release was prepared by Media Relations Section, at 213-485-3586.

UPDATE: On November 11, 2004, Detectives arrested the mother, 18 year old Jeanne Ma, in connection with the murder of her newborn child. She is currently hospitalized and will be absentee booked at the jail ward of USC Medical center when her condition improves.