Late-Term Fetus Found Dead In Loudoun County: Police

LEESBURG, VA — Police in Leesburg are investigating a dead fetus found in a pond Monday and reminding residents that Virginia has Safe Haven laws to allow a parent to surrender a newborn.

The Leesburg Police Department was notified about 4:33 p.m. Monday, when a resident found a late-term fetus in the pond behind Park Gate Drive NE in Leesburg. Emergency services responded, and police secured the area to investigate. The body was taken to the medical examiner for an autopsy to determine a cause of death.

"This is a deeply tragic situation," said Leesburg Police Chief Thea Pirnat in a statement. "We urge anyone with information to come forward, not just for the sake of the investigation, but also to ensure that those in need are provided appropriate medical attention and services."

Police are seeking information and say the investigation "is being treated with the utmost seriousness and sensitivity." According to police, confidentiality will be respected if a person comes forward with information.

The police department also reminded residents about Virginia's Safe Haven laws, which allow a parent to surrender an unharmed newborn baby. This applies when the newborn is surrendered to a designated Safe Haven location, such as a hospital providing 24-hour emergency services, an Emergency Medical Services staffed agency like some fire stations or rescue squads, or a newborn safety device at hospitals or EMS agencies.

Help to make a decision is available 24/7 by calling the National Safe Haven Alliance crisis hotline at 1-888-510-BABY (2229).

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information can contact 911, the Leesburg Police non-emergency number at 703-771-4500, anonymous tip line at 703-443-TIPS, email tips to PoliceInvestigations@LeesburgVA.gov or text 274637 and begin your message with LPDTIP.