A California woman, Kathryn Grace Copeland, 29, from Lodi, is facing charges following the discovery of her newborn baby, found dead on a public street.
The Lodi Police Department initiated an investigation after receiving a distress call about the baby on Thursday, September 26. The infant was discovered near a mechanical shop located at the intersection of Tokay and Sacramento streets, around 11:40 in the morning.
Upon arrival, police and medical personnel declared the infant deceased. Copeland has been charged with abandoning the newborn, according to local law enforcement. The investigation was conducted in collaboration with the San Joaquin County District Attorney’s Office. The specific details regarding the circumstances of the infant’s death and Copeland’s motives have yet to be disclosed.
Copeland’s aunt said her niece suffers from mental health disorders and has been homeless on and off for several years.
Video cameras in the area showed Copeland lying down in the spot where the baby was found around 7:30 p.m. and getting up to leave around 2 a.m.
Local residents have been deeply affected by the discovery of the body. The Lodi Police Department, in a Facebook post, acknowledged the range of emotions such a tragedy can trigger, not only within the community but also amongst first responders. They also reminded the public of the various organizations available to assist people in crisis, particularly those who are unable to care for a newborn.
An eyewitness, Silvia Gonzales, narrated the grim discovery made by an employee of a nearby business. “[When the employee] tried to sit down on the floor, [they] turned around and [saw] the baby,” she stated. “I wanted to cry. When I [saw the baby], I just tried to see if it was moving or not, but I don’t see [anything].”
The authorities highlighted the importance of California’s Safe Surrender Law in the aftermath of this tragedy. The law, established in 2001, enables parents to confidentially surrender their newborns at specified safe surrender sites, such as hospitals and fire stations, within 72 hours of birth without fear of legal repercussions.
Speaking about the existing system, Lodi Fire Battalion Chief Michael Alegre stated, “We give them a bracelet for the child and the mother. A serial number, if you will. They have 14 days to reclaim the child if they want it.” He emphasized the importance of distressed parents utilizing safe surrender sites, providing them with the option to “walk away, free and clear.”
Organizations are in place to offer safe alternatives for parents who feel unable to care for their children, with the aim of preventing tragedies like this recent case in Lodi. “There’s always hope. There’s always resources. There’s always help,” said Jake McGregor, executive director of One-Eighty, a Lodi-based nonprofit that provides care for at-risk youth and adults. McGregor added that though his organization may not always be able to offer direct assistance, they can help connect people with the appropriate resources.
Meanwhile, in Texas, another case involving an abandoned newborn has resurfaced. Shelby Stotts, 48, was charged with second-degree manslaughter over two decades after her newborn, referred to as “Angel Baby Doe,” was found deceased on the side of a road near Fort Worth. Stotts reportedly abandoned the baby in November 2001 without seeking medical care or clamping the umbilical cord, resulting in the infant’s death.
Stotts was identified and arrested 22 years later thanks to DNA technology from Othram, a forensic lab specializing in cold cases. The genealogy team managed to trace familial connections, leading to her identification. “After more than twenty years, we are closer to securing justice for Angel Baby Doe,” said Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, reinforcing the necessity of safe surrender laws to prevent similar occurrences.
Officials in both Lodi, California, and Texas are leveraging these tragic incidents to raise awareness about resources available to parents overwhelmed or unable to care for a newborn. Safe surrender laws, which are prevalent in most states, are designed to protect both the child and the parents, offering a secure option for those in need.
These recent incidents have sparked renewed discussions about the importance of awareness around safe surrender laws. Local nonprofits, such as One-Eighty, continue their efforts to ensure parents in need are aware of the available assistance before it becomes too late.
