Crime & Safety
Deceased Newborn Found In Park Being Investigated As A Suspicious Death In Manchester
Authorities are looking for help from the public who may have seen anything at Pine Island Park in Manchester in the last two weeks.
MANCHESTER, NH — Authorities are asking for help from the public as they investigate the discovery of a deceased newborn infant found in a Manchester pond.
Police, Fire, and AMR ambulance responded to Pine Island Park on Brown Avenue Thursday at about 4 p.m. for the discovery of the infant in Pine Island Pond. The newborn infant still had her umbilical cord attached, according to sources, and had been in the water for an unknown amount of time.
Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Jennie V. Duval performed an autopsy on the infant Friday. While the cause and manner of death are still undetermined and pending further testing, the Chief Medical Examiner did confirm that the child was a newborn female; her identity remains unknown.
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Although the exact cause of death was not released, the NH Attorney General’s Office is classifying the death as suspicious.
Police are looking for information from anyone who might have seen someone discard something into the water of Pine Island Pond over the past two weeks, information on ice conditions, or photos and video from the pond.
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Anyone who finds a large amount of blood in the area where the mother may have given birth in the area of the park should report it to the police.
Manchester Police Chief Peter Marr asked if people know of anyone who might have been pregnant, is no longer pregnant, and doesn’t have a newborn, to call police.
“It is important to note just because the infant was found in Manchester doesn’t necessarily mean that the birth took place here or that the mother is from here in our city,” Marr said.
Marr also said police are worried about the condition of the mother, who may not have sought medical treatment.
“My message for the mother would be to come forward and tell us what happened,” the chief said. “At the end of the day, if she needs help, we need to be able to find that help for her. We are also trying to seek justice for this baby.”
The identity of the baby and her parents were unknown.
Anyone with information is encouraged to call a dedicated tip line at 603-716-7236, which detectives will answer. Tips and related information can also be provided anonymously via the Manchester CrimeLine at 603-624-4040 or uploaded anonymously at manchestercrimeline.org.
