Los Angeles: On Wednesday, December 31, 2003, at about 9:00 a.m., detectives from the Abused Child Unit responded to the 4100 block of West Slauson Avenue to investigate the death of a newborn baby girl. The child was left abandoned in front of the Grace United Methodist Church. There are no leads at this time as to who abandoned the newborn. The cause of death is pending the outcome of the Los Angeles County Corner’s autopsy.

The public should be reminded of California’s Safely Surrendered Baby Law, which in Los Angeles County allows mothers to leave unwanted newborn babies at any hospital emergency room or fire station within 72 hours of delivery. These individuals will not face any criminal consequences. More information on the Safely Surrender Baby Law can be obtained on the Internet at www.babysafela.org.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is requested to contact the Abused Child Unit detectives at 213-485-4220. On weekends and off-hours, contact the toll free 24-hour number at the Detective Information Desk, at 1-877-LAWFULL (1-877-529-3855).

This news release was prepared by Public Information Officer Jason Lee, Media Relations Section, at 213-485-3586.