MILWAUKEE — Milwaukee Police are trying to find the parents of a baby found dead Friday morning near Teutonia and Thurston.
Police say the baby appeared to be recently born, and the cause of death is being investigated. The Milwaukee County Medical Examiner's Office says funeral staff discovered the baby, but say there is no connection between the two.
A woman who answered the phone at the funeral home said they would not be making statements.
As police were investigating, workers at the child care center across the street say their kids were outside playing and looking on.
"They were outside playing like regular kids," Princess Hogans. "They notice police officers and firetrucks, and they start taping Teutonia off and pushing people back, and they ask what’s going on."
"Us as caregivers, it's very disheartening to hear something like that," said Dana Goodman. "And it's very detrimental that something like this could happen. It's sickening and heartbreaking."
"I always know there's a story behind this. Hopefully we'll find out what that is," said Tricia Burkett. "A lot of these moms are in a desperate situation."
Burkett is a coordinator for Safe Place For Newborns. The organization works to raise awareness about Wisconsin's Safe Haven Law. Under the law, any parent can anonymously give up their unharmed newborn under 72 hours old to a police officer, 911 emergency medical staff person, or a hospital staff member.
"I take personal responsibility when these things happen because I feel like where are we missing the outreach, where are we missing the education?" Burkett said. "We need to do more."
Safe Place for Newborns has a 24-hour crisis line: 1-877-440-BABY.
Anyone with information is asked to call Milwaukee Police at 1-414-935-7360 or Crime Stoppers at 1-414-224-TIPS. You can remain anonymous.
