Los Angeles: On January 9, 2005, at about 7:45 am., the body of a lifeless newborn was discovered in the 1900 block of South Bronson Avenue. A women and a man were alerted by an individual as she was driving to church that she saw an object resembling a doll lying in the street near an empty trash bag.

The preliminary investigation indicates that the baby was a full-term female of unknown decent resulting from a live birth within the preceding 24 hours. At this time, it is believed that the baby washed onto the street from a storm drain leading from a publicly used parking. A final determination of the descent and circumstances surrounding the death will be made by the Coroners office.

Anyone having any information regarding the investigation is encouraged to contact the Abused Child Unit, at 213-485-4220. On weekends and during off-hours, please call the 24-hour toll free number at the Detective Information Desk, at 1-877-LAWFULL (1-877-529-3855).

Tragic deaths such as this can be avoided through the provisions of the California Safely Surrender Baby Law. The law provides that within the first 72 hours of birth, parents and those in legal custody of a baby can surrender it at certain specified locations. Within Los Angeles County, newborns can be turned into an employee at any hospital emergency room or fire station. Further information please call the toll free helpline at 877-272-3327.

This news release was prepared by the Los Angeles Police Department's Media Relations Section, at 213-485-3586.