An investigation is underway in Texas after sanitation workers made a tragic discovery—a newborn’s body was found in the back of their trash compactor truck. The incident occurred on Wednesday morning in the Chimney Hills neighborhood of Harris County.
Sgt. Sidney Miller of the Harris County Sheriff’s Office reported that deputies were alerted shortly before 9:30 a.m. after the sanitation workers made the discovery. The workers were conducting their regular rounds, collecting trash, when they stopped to compact the waste and noticed the body of a baby boy at the bottom of the truck.
According to Sgt. Miller, the baby, who is believed to be between one and 30 days old, was found naked. The infant appeared to be full-term and not the result of a miscarriage. However, it remains unclear how long the baby had been deceased. The medical examiner’s office will determine the cause and manner of death.
The discovery has left the local community in shock. Neighbor Germany Scott, who is pregnant with her third child, expressed her disbelief to KTRK, saying, “There are multiple things you can do if you don’t want a baby. An innocent baby doesn’t deserve to be in the trash can.”
Investigators are now sifting through the trash collected with the baby to identify where it came from, which could help locate suspects. They are also reviewing surveillance footage and speaking with neighbors in the area. Authorities are urging anyone with information about this incident to contact the Harris County Sheriff’s Office or Crime Stoppers.
Sgt. Miller also highlighted Texas’ Safe Haven Law, known as the Baby Moses Law, which allows parents who are unable to care for a child under 60 days old to surrender the infant at a designated safe place without facing legal consequences. Safe places include hospitals, fire stations, and EMS stations.
This heartbreaking incident has brought attention to the resources available to parents in crisis, emphasizing that help is available and that no baby should end up in such tragic circumstances.