Police release sketch of newborn found dead in trash
FARMINGDALE, N.J. -- New Jersey State Police have released a sketch of a newborn whose headless remains were found among trash at a Farmingdale recycling center in November. They're hoping to identify the child's mother.
The child's body was discovered Nov. 11, and a search of the trash uncovered the infant's head, two blood-stained blouses and a shopping bag from a store in Orange, according to police.
An autopsy did not determine the cause and manner of death. However, police say evidence suggests the full-term infant girl was not stillborn and breathed before she died.
Both the clothing and the bag are believed to be connected with the mother, according to police.
Detectives are hoping someone may recognize the baby based on the composite sketch or help identify the mother based on the clothing items.
The baby is of mixed race, possibly Hispanic origin, according to police. An FBI expert believes that if the child's mother is responsible for placing the body in the trash, she may have been trying to hide her pregnancy.
There's been no evidence to indicate the mother has been the victim of foul play, according to police, though it hasn't been ruled out.
Parishioners at a Howell church named the baby Emma Grace and will hold a funeral for her on Saturday.
Monmouth County Crime Stoppers is offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to the identity of the baby's mother. Anonymous tipsters can call 1-800-671-4400, text "MONMOUTH" plus the tip to 274637 or email a tip via www.monmouthcountycrimestoppers.com.