(Updated Release - April 28, 2016)
Since March 25th, detectives have searched for the parents of the newborn boy left in a dumpster. They pursed leads provided by the community and sought information about an unidentified woman who was at the dumpster before 8:20 p.m. on the night of the incident.
On April 26th, detectives received an anonymous tip indicating a local high-school girl was potentially the mother. The girl had been pregnant while attending school but dropped out for about a month. Upon returning, she was no longer pregnant and refused to talk with friends about what happened.
Detectives confirmed the tip and interviewed 18 year-old Samantha Houston, of Everett, this afternoon. She admitted to giving birth on March 25th and panicked. She wrapped the newborn in a towel and walked with him outside. She stated she didn’t know what to do and placed the newborn in the dumpster. Samantha was booked into the Snohomish County Jail on charges of abandonment of a dependent person (RCW 9A.42.070).
The newborn was taken to Providence Regional Medical Center Everett and has since been placed in the custody of the State Department of Social and Health Services. He is said to be healthy.
Detectives will continue to investigate the case.
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(Updated Release - April 7, 2016)
Since March 25th, detectives have searched for the parents of the newborn boy left in a dumpster by pursuing leads provided by the community. To date, the mother has not been identified.
Detectives are also looking to identify a woman who was at the dumpster before 8:20 p.m. on the 25th. She was the first person to hear the newborn crying but left before police arrived. Detectives would like to interview her as she may have information to assist in the investigation.
The newborn is healthy and was placed in the custody of Child Protective Services after being released from Providence Regional Medical Center Everett.
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(Updated Release - March 28, 2016)
Detectives continue working this case in an attempt to locate the parents of the newborn boy. At this time, there are no leads and anyone with information is asked to call the Everett Police Department TIP LINE at (425) 257-8450.
Evidence will be submitted to the Washington State Patrol Crime Laboratory in an effort to match DNA samples to the mother.
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(Original Release - March 25, 2016)
EVERETT – The Everett Police Department is investigating the discovery of a newborn found in an apartment complex dumpster.
At about 8:20 p.m. tonight, a passerby called 911 from the Mirabella Apartments (805 112th St SE) after hearing crying from inside a dumpster. Arriving officers climbed into the dumpster and found a newborn boy who was immediately transported to Providence Regional Medical Center Everett Colby Campus for medical attention. The newborn is expected to survive and will remain in the NICU at Providence.
Detectives with the Major Crimes Unit responded to investigate the incident, collect evidence and interview possible witnesses.
There is no indication when or why the newborn was left in the dumpster.
Detectives are canvassing the area and looking for possible leads. Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call the Everett Police Department TIP LINE at (425) 257-8450.
No updates are expected tonight.
News Releases are located at: www.everettwa.gov/police
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