Police Seek Answers After Heartbreaking Discovery of Infant in Utica

Police in Central New York are investigating a heartbreaking discovery after the body of an infant girl was found at a waste processing facility in Utica on Wednesday.

Investigators are now asking for the public's help, stressing that no piece of information is too small as they work to identify the child and determine what happened.
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Infant Discovered at Utica Waste Facility

According to the Utica Police Department, officers responded to the Oneida-Herkimer Solid Waste Authority facility, about 90 miles west of Albany, around 11:40 a.m. on Wednesday, October 14th.

Employees discovered the deceased infant in the facility's sorting area, immediately stopped operations, and contacted police.

Authorities have confirmed the infant was a girl, but her identity remains unknown.

Photo: Google Maps

What Happened?

The Utica Police Department's Major Crimes Unit is leading the investigation, with assistance from New York State Police, the Oneida County District Attorney's Office, and the Onondaga County Medical Examiner's Office.

Because the waste facility serves multiple counties, investigators are working to determine where the infant may have come from and how she ended up at the facility.

No Detail Too Small

And this time, police say the circumstances surrounding her death remain unknown.

Investigators are asking anyone who may have witnessed suspicious activity, noticed unusual circumstances, or has information that could help identify the baby girl to come forward.

If so, contact the Utica Police Major Crimes Unit at 315-223-3556 or Mohawk Valley Crime Stoppers at 1-866-730-8477.  You can also submit anonymous tips online at www.mohawkvalleycrimestoppers.com.

A Community Searching for Answers

While this heartbreaking discovery happened roughly 90 miles from Albany, you never know who might have information. Someone here in the Capital Region who travels to Utica, works in the area, or has connections to Central New York could have seen something.

I can't shake the sick feeling in the pit of my stomach thinking about this little girl and the circumstances surrounding her death. The thought that a human life could end this way is almost too much for me to comprehend.

Hopefully, someone comes forward with information that helps police find the answers this baby girl deserves, and anyone with any information, no matter how small, is encouraged to contact investigators.