Police in Twin Falls, Idaho, are investigating the death of a newborn baby allegedly left illegally inside a Safe Have Baby Box. Staff at Grove Creek Medical Center reportedly found the infant deceased on October 13. Per Safe Haven Baby Box protocol, the medical team removed the infant within one minute, but tragically, she was not breathing. Leaving a deceased infant inside the box violates Idaho’s Safe Haven Act.
Safe Haven Baby Boxes announced the infant’s death in a press release published on Facebook. To qualify as a legal surrender, the baby must be alive and unharmed. Sadly, that was not the case, and now Twin Falls police are working to find out exactly what happened.
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The infant reportedly had died long before hospital staff found her.
Per Safe Haven Baby Boxes, the infant being put in the box triggered an alarm at Grove Creek Medical Center, alerting staff. Staff responded and removed the baby from the bassinet within a minute.
“Upon removal, they quickly realized that the infant had passed away long before being placed in the baby box,” the release reads. “The Safe Haven Law in Idaho allows for the surrender of an infant who is unharmed and healthy. Therefore, this was not a legal surrender under state law as it does not meet the criteria for Safe Haven surrender.”
Police responded to the scene.
According to a news release from the city of Twin Falls, the Blackfoot Police Department initially responded to a call about a deceased newborn and began an investigation. The Twin Falls police department took over the case and is working to determine what happened to the baby.
“Idaho’s Safe Haven Baby Box program offers a safe and confidential option for parents in crisis, allowing them to relinquish their newborns without fear of prosecution. This law reflects the community’s commitment to protecting the lives of vulnerable infants,” the release reads. “The staff at Grove Creek Medical Center, the site of Idaho’s only Safe Haven Baby Box, are commended for their compassionate response and support during this tragic situation.”
The discovery saddened the Safe Haven Baby Box founder.
Monica Kelsey explained that someone wrapped the infant inside the box in a blanket with her placenta still attached. Kelsey explained the mission of Safe Haven Baby Boxes, and sadly, this surrender does not align with its protocols.
“We are heartbroken. Let this be clear: this is an illegal, deadly abandonment,” she shared in a statement. “Anonymity is only allowed when an infant is safely surrendered completely unharmed. We are fully cooperating with the investigation and providing all information we possess to local authorities.”
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The hospital praised its staff.
Grove Creek Medical Center posted its gratitude on Facebook to all those involved with the case:
“We’re incredibly grateful for our dedicated team, who responded within moments to the Safe Haven Baby Box alarm and gave their all in a heartbreaking situation. Though this infant was already deceased when abandoned, our staff showed deep compassion and commitment to care. Their actions mean everything to us, and we’re so proud of the way they honor every life they touch.”
The incident is under investigation. At this time, no suspect has been named.