WHITEWATER, Wis. — Flowers, toys and balloons are all part of a growing memorial on the edge of Twin Oaks Mobile Home Park.
Whitewater Police say they found a dead newborn baby in a field at the park on Saturday.
Officials say it’s an ongoing investigation—leaving more questions than answers for a heartbroken community.
“It just doesn’t make any sense. It’s devastating and I broke into tears,” shared Rebecca Wetter, a resident of Twin Oaks.
Authorities on March 13 released more details about the incident:
The following information is being released by the Whitewater Police Department
to inform the public of the status of this ongoing investigation. The newborn found on March 4, 2023 is an unidentified
male. The deceased newborn was located in a plastic bag inside a cardboard box, wrapped in a light-colored shirt and
wearing no additional clothing. It is believed that the newborn was placed in the field less than 48 hours before he was
located. The Police Department is seeking any information related to the circumstances of the newborn’s death, and any
information that would help to identify the mother or father. The Police Department is urging community members with any
information to contact 262-473-0555 option #4, or contact our Detective Bureau directly at jbrock@whitewater-wi.gov
(Detective Justin Brock) and aheilberger@whitewater-wi.gov (Detective Anthony Heilberger). Anonymous tips may also
be shared using P3Tips.com.
Wetter has lived in the mobile park for three years. She says, as a mother of three, hearing that news was unimaginable.
“I wouldn’t even bring my kids home [that night], because what do you tell your kids is going on over there? You can’t tell a child that they just found a baby out in the field up the street from your house.”
Wetter is one of many residents now left to wonder how this tragedy took place.
“Anyone in here I’m sure would have taken that baby in until it found a good home. There are safe havens, why couldn’t you have done that?”
Visitors to the infant’s memorial on Sunday dropped off stuffed animals and were moved to tears.
The Whitewater Police Department also reminds the public of Wisconsin’s Safe Haven for Newborns legislation (Wis. Stat. 48.195).
This law guarantees the rights of parents giving up custody of newborn babies, 72 hours old and younger, anonymously and confidentially. Newborns can be given up to a law enforcement officer, emergency medical services, or hospital staff members without fear of legal consequences.
The department released the following statement:
"The Whitewater Police Department also wants to ensure the public is aware of the Safe Haven for Newborns legislation (Wis. Stat. 48.195). This law guarantees the rights of parents relinquishing custody of newborn babies, 72 hours old and younger, anonymously and confidentially. Newborns can be relinquished to a law enforcement officer, emergency medical services practitioner, or hospital staff member without fear of legal consequences."
Whitewater Police are seeking any information that may assist in the investigation. Anyone with information should contact the Whitewater Police Department at 262-473-0555 option #4, or email our Detective Bureau directly at jbrock@whitewater-wi.gov (Detective Justin Brock) and aheilberger@whitewater-wi.gov (Detective Anthony Heilberger). Anonymous tips may also be shared using P3Tips.com.
