Idaho Woman Arrested After Leaving Deceased Infant In Safe Haven Baby Box
An 18-year-old Idaho woman has been arrested following the discovery of a deceased infant in a Safe Haven Baby Box at a local hospital. Authorities have identified the woman as Angel N. Newberry, who now faces legal charges stemming from the incident. According to the Blackfoot Police Department, Newberry was apprehended under an arrest warrant for failing to report a death to law enforcement officials and the coroner, a violation of Idaho state law. She has since been booked into the Bingham County Jail.
The Safe Haven Baby Box system was designed to provide a secure and anonymous way for parents to surrender newborns under 30 days old without legal repercussions, provided the child is unharmed and healthy. This program operates under the Safe Haven Law, which aims to prevent abandonment and protect the welfare of vulnerable infants. However, the law does not extend its protections to cases where an infant has been harmed or, as in this instance, is deceased.
The sequence of events leading to Newberry’s arrest began on October 13, when police responded to a report of a dead infant discovered in the baby box at Grove Creek Medical Center. The alarm system associated with the box notified hospital staff immediately upon the infant’s placement. According to a statement released by Safe Haven Baby Boxes, medical personnel promptly removed the baby from the box but quickly determined that the child had died long before being placed there.
Monica Kelsey, the founder of Safe Haven Baby Boxes, expressed profound grief over the tragedy. In a public statement, Kelsey clarified the intent of the program and denounced the circumstances of this case, describing it as "an illegal, deadly abandonment." She further emphasized that the anonymity provided by the Safe Haven Law applies only when an infant is surrendered in a healthy, unharmed condition. Kelsey revealed that the baby, when found, was wrapped in a blanket with the placenta still attached, an indicator that the infant may not have received any medical care prior to being left at the hospital.
Local authorities have been cautious in releasing additional details, citing the sensitive nature of the ongoing investigation and the possibility of further charges. However, they have reiterated the distinction between lawful and unlawful use of the Safe Haven Baby Box, underscoring the necessity of compliance with state laws to protect both infants and their parents.
The incident has drawn widespread attention to the Safe Haven system and its critical role in preventing tragic outcomes. Advocates for the program stress that while it provides a lifeline for struggling parents, its proper use is paramount. This case underscores the importance of public awareness and education about the legal parameters surrounding Safe Haven laws.
This heartbreaking case has reverberated through the community, raising questions about the circumstances leading up to the infant’s death and the resources available to young parents facing crisis pregnancies. As the investigation continues, it serves as a stark reminder of the need for vigilance, compassion, and support to prevent similar tragedies in the future.