Newborn Found In Shallow Grave In Manchaca Was 'Discarded'

Austin TX

07 September, 2021

2:16 PM

Description

AUSTIN, TX — Travis County Sheriff's Office are asking the public's help in finding the mother of a newborn who was found dead in a shallow grave along a riverbank in Manchaca on Aug. 24. After finding the child two weeks ago, homicide detectives are trying to locate the possible mother so they can piece together the events that lead to the baby girl's death. Homicide Segeant Sylvia Leal said the newborn wasn't buried but "discarded; thrown away." "The body was left in the woods, lying in a very shallow depression. It's a miracle she was found so soon after being left. I believe we are meant to find the answers she deserves," Leal said. To give the baby dignity, authorities have named the child Ivy. The name was chosen by the Crime Scene Specialists who took care of her and collected evidence at the location where she was found. Detective Ben Wright said the autopsy results haven't revealed if the newborn was born alive or not. It's possible the child was a still-born and the mother panicked or she had a live birth, then discarded the baby. "There are homeless camps in the area, and we can't rule out the possibility the mother is transient, but it's also possible this was a case of abuse, covered up by someone involved. We're concerned for the mother's safety and are trying to find her," Wright said. Deputies said they received a 911 call around 8:30 a.m. Tuesday about a deceased person in the 11800 block of Old San Antonio Road. A fisherman, who was in the area, accidentally discovered the body of a newborn. Authorities said the child was located in a shallow grave and may have been there several days or possibly a week. An autopsy was conducted on the child on Aug. 25 and final results are pending. MORE ON THAT STORY: Newborn Baby's Body Found In Shallow Grave In Manchaca "I'm so grateful to the man who found Ivy for calling 911 and reporting it. I believe someone knows something about the mother. Even one small piece of information might be all we need to determine what happened," said Sheriff Sally Hernandez. "I'm asking anyone who has knowledge of the incident or the identity of the mother to call. We want to make sure this mom is safe and bring Ivy the closure she deserves." People can contact the TCSO tip line at 512-854-1444. RELATED COVERAGE:Man's Body Found In Lake Travis, 2nd Swimmer Still Missing Bumble Creates Relief Fund As Texas Abortion Law Takes Effect Man Linked To 5th Street Aggravated Assault Case Arrested