News Summary
The remains of a newborn were found in Brookside Park, Indiana, highlighting concerns over infant abandonment. Law enforcement is investigating, and advocates for the Safe Haven Law emphasize the importance of awareness and options for parents in crisis. Efforts aim to prevent future tragedies through community outreach and possible legislative adjustments to extend surrender age limits, offering hope and support to vulnerable families.
Indianapolis – The remains of a newborn were found in Brookside Park on Monday afternoon, reigniting concerns over infant abandonment in the area. This incident marks the first known case of an infant abandonment resulting in death in Indiana in nearly 11 years.
Police received a call at around 3 p.m. regarding the discovery of the remains, located near a walking path in the park. As of now, the Marion County coroner has not confirmed if the remains belong to a viable infant or an unviable fetus. However, preliminary investigations have shown no signs of blunt force trauma or external injuries associated with the death.
In light of this tragic incident, advocates for Indiana’s Safe Haven Law are urging increased awareness of the options available to parents in crisis. The law allows mothers to anonymously surrender a child up to 30 days old at designated locations, including hospitals, fire stations, and Safe Haven Baby Boxes, without fear of legal repercussions.
Monica Kelsey, the founder of Safe Haven Baby Boxes, reported that the law has saved over 40 infants since its implementation. Advocates like Kelsey stress the importance of educating the public about Safe Haven options to help prevent future cases of abandonment that could lead to similar tragedies.
Linda Znachko, the founder of He Knows Your Name, has consistently supported families in need, particularly in situations like this. Over the last 15 years, she has claimed and buried more than 60 infants who have been abandoned or neglected. Znachko emphasizes the necessity of informing mothers about their options under the Safe Haven Law to reduce the occurrence of such desperate actions.
Both Kelsey and Znachko are dedicated to raising awareness of the Safe Haven Law and providing support for parents who may feel overwhelmed and in crisis. They highlight that the law is specifically designed to offer a safe alternative for mothers, allowing them to surrender their newborns without facing legal action.
As this heartbreaking situation unfolds, the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department is urging residents to come forward with any information regarding the circumstances of the infant’s remains. Detective Robert Burns can be contacted via email or phone for tips related to the case.
In addition to current awareness efforts, there are discussions among Indiana lawmakers about possibly extending the Safe Haven surrender age limit from 30 days to 60 days. Proponents believe that this change could further reduce the instances of infant abandonment and potentially save more lives.
The tragic discovery in Brookside Park serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing struggles faced by some families and the importance of community support and resources. Advocates continue to push for greater outreach surrounding the Safe Haven Law, aiming to ensure that every parent knows they have options available in times of need.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Investigation Continues After Infant Discovered Dead in Brookside Park
Additional Resources
- WTHR: Advocates react to remains of fetus or newborn recovered in Indianapolis park
- WIBC: Safe Haven law in focus after Indy infant found in park
- WRTV: Indianapolis police seek information after infant found dead at Brookside Park
- Indiana Daily Student: Fire department installs Safe Haven Baby Box
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Safe Haven Law
Author: STAFF HERE INDIANAPOLIS WRITER
INDIANAPOLIS STAFF WRITER The INDIANAPOLIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREIndianapolis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Indianapolis, Marion County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Indianapolis 500, Indy Jazz Fest, and the Indiana State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Indy Chamber and Visit Indy, plus leading businesses in motorsports and healthcare that power the local economy such as Indianapolis Motor Speedway and IU Health. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Indiana's dynamic landscape.
