Hudson County Officials Charge Teen In 2020 Death Of Newborn

HUDSON COUNTY, NJ — The Hudson County Prosecutor's Office arrested and charged a teen in a death that occurred last year of a newborn baby boy.

The 17-year-old girl was charged with aggravated manslaughter, endangering the welfare of a child and desecrating human remains. Officials did not disclose the teen's identity because she is a juvenile but said she was 17-years-old at the time of the crime.

The Regional Medical Examiner has determined the manner of death to be homicide. The newborn baby boy was found dead on October 24, 2020 on Forest Street in Kearny.

A change.org petition started by Angela Owens in July claims the baby, named Matthew in the petition, was found in a trash can and demands justice in his memory. The petition has garnered over 2,000 signatures. The petition is critical of the HCPO for not releasing more information in the wake of the baby's death.

The community held a candlelight vigil for the baby.

Shortly after the petition was released, Hudson County Prosecutor Esther Suarez wrote a letter in The Observer asking the public for its patience in the case.

Since the girl is a juvenile, the case will be handled in Family Court, which is confidential and no additional information can be released by the HCPO.

New Jersey has a "safe haven law" in which parents who believe they can't take care of their newborn can drop him or her off anonymously at numerous "safe" locations such as hospitals and firehouses. Learn more about New Jersey's safe haven law.