Law enforcement authorities are hoping a composite sketch of a full-term newborn infant whose remains were discovered in Farmingdale will help identify her mother. FARMINGDALE — Detectives from the New Jersey State Police and the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office are hopeful a composite sketch of a full-term newborn infant whose remains were discovered among trash at a recycling center in Farmingdale will help identify her mother.
The baby, who was named Emma Grace by the Ardena Baptist Church, Howell, was 21.5 inches long and weighed 7 pounds, 5 ounces when she was discovered more than five months ago by an employee of the ReCommunity Recycling facility on Railroad Avenue in Farmingdale.
The baby’s remains were released to the church, and a funeral for the child was held on April 18, according to a press release from the Office of the Attorney General.
The body of Emma Grace was found at 1:30 p.m. Nov. 11, 2014, prompting a search of the surrounding trash. Investigators uncovered two blood-stained blouses and a bag from a retail store area in Orange. The old blouses had no tags, but their size could be characterized as petite to medium. The clothing and the bag are believed to be connected with the mother of the infant, according to the press release.
The Middlesex County Medical Examiner’s Office has not determined the cause and manner of death for the baby, but is certain she was not stillborn. Evidence suggests the baby breathed before she died. Based on hair characteristics, the baby is of mixed race, possibly Hispanic origin, according to the press release.
Representatives of the state police have spoken with an FBI profiling expert who believes that if the mother of the infant is responsible for putting the baby’s body in a garbage bin, she may have been trying to hide her pregnancy prior to giving birth.
The mother might have been living a different lifestyle than she was accustomed to, and since the birth she may have resumed some of her more normal routines, according to the press release.
There has been no evidence at this time to point to the mother being a victim of foul play, although the possibility has not been ruled out. The investigation is continuing.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Sgt. Francis Robina with the state police Major Crime Unit at 609- 882-2000, ext. 2538, or Detective Brian Weisbrot of the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office at 800-533-7443.
Anyone with information may anonymously contact Monmouth County Crime Stoppers by calling 800-671-4400, which is a confidential telephone tip line, or text “MONMOUTH” plus the tip to 274637, or email a tip through www.monmouthcountycrimestoppers.com
Monmouth County Crime Stoppers does not need the name of the person submitting the tip and will pay up to $5,000 for information leading to the identity of the baby’s mother.