Los Angeles:  The Los Angeles Police Department is investigating the death of a new born baby found early this morning near a dumpster, behind a local bar in South Los Angeles.

On October 10, 2005, at about 12:30 a.m., an anonymous caller to "911" stated a baby was in a box beside the dumpster near the alleyway to the rear of the business at 2827 S. Hoover Street.  Responding officers located the baby in a cardboard box as the caller had described.  Paramedics determined the baby had recently been delivered by the mother and was dead.  The call originated from a public telephone at the Ralph's Market, 2600 S. Vermont Avenue. 

The baby appears to be a full-term male, possibly of Caucasian or Hispanic descent.  Further information surrounding the nature of the death will be determined by the Coroner's investigation.  Detectives from the Abused Child Unit are handling the police investigation.

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 at certain specified locations.  In Los Angeles County, these locations include emergency rooms and fire stations.  The surrender of the child may be done anonymously.

The public's assistance is being sought.  Anyone with information is asked to call Juvenile Division's Abused Child Unit, at 213-485-4220.  On weekends and during off-hours, call the 24-hour toll free number at the Detective Information Desk at 1-877-LAWFULL (1-877-529-3855).