Los Angeles: On Sunday, October 26, 2003, at about 1:00 p.m., a man walking in the alleyway of the 3400 block of Percy Street in Hollenbeck Area observed dogs in the rear yard of a residence tugging on what appeared to be a newborn infant. The passerby alerted the residents.

Los Angeles City Fire Department paramedics responded and determined that the baby had recently been delivered and was dead. Further information surrounding the nature of the death is pending the Coroner’s investigation.

It has not been determined who placed the infant in the back yard.

This unfortunate case serves as a reminder that California is one of several states that have enacted "Safe Surrender" laws. Under California law, a parent may, within 72 hours of birth safely surrender the child to identified locations. In Los Angeles County those locations include, emergency rooms and fire stations. The surrender of the child is done anonymously. So far this year, five babies have been safely surrendered and seven babies have been abandoned.

Detectives from Juvenile Division, Child Abuse Unit, are handling this investigation. For further information regarding this case please contact Captain Sharyn buck, Commanding Officer, Juvenile Division, at 213-485-2801.

This news release has been prepared by Public Information Officer Renee’ Montoya, Media Relations Officer, 213-485-3586.