A 19-year-old woman has been arrested in connection with the death of an infant who was found inside a dumpster in South Los Angeles, authorities said.
The baby girl, believed to be between 4 and 6 months old, was discovered around 10:30 p.m. Monday, September 28, near Alba Street and Long Beach Avenue, outside the Pueblo Del Rio housing project.
According to the Los Angeles Police Department, firefighters responded after the baby was found and transported her to a local hospital, where she was pronounced dead. Investigators are treating the death as a homicide.
Authorities have identified the woman arrested as Takiyah Babers, the baby’s biological mother. According to police, Babers was taken into custody without incident and booked on a murder charge. Her bail was set at $2 million.
Baby Found Inside Dumpster
The discovery was made by a woman who was taking out trash when she noticed something unusual inside a heavy black plastic bag. She initially thought she was looking at a doll before realizing it was a baby and calling for help.
The infant was found wrapped in a blanket. Police said evidence at the scene led investigators to treat the death as a homicide. Authorities also said the baby was not homeless and that the incident was not believed to be gang-related.
The baby’s family had reportedly been searching for her after she was last seen alive Monday evening.
Family members told local news outlets that the infant may be Luna, a baby who had been staying with her grandparents and mother. They said the clothing described by the woman who discovered the infant appeared to match what Luna had been wearing.
At the time of the initial reports, authorities had not officially confirmed the baby’s identity through the coroner’s office.
Investigation Continues
The LAPD’s Abused Child Unit and Juvenile Division are investigating the circumstances surrounding the infant’s death. Detectives are working to establish the baby’s final movements and determine exactly what happened before she was found.
The identity of the infant and the circumstances surrounding her death remain part of the ongoing investigation, and authorities are asking anyone with information to contact the LAPD.
Babers’ arrest is an accusation, and the criminal case will proceed through the court system.
This heartbreaking case has left family members and the South Los Angeles community mourning the loss of a young child whose life ended far too soon.
Y’all Know What will continue to follow this developing story as more information becomes available.
