Dead newborn found in wooded area sparks homicide investigation

OCEAN SHORES — A woman out for an evening walk in Ocean Shores discovered the body of a dead newborn baby. Police believe they have the 21-year-old mother and her boyfriend in custody.

Residents in the small community of Ocean Shores can’t believe the investigation going on in their back yard. On Friday night, a rag dangling from a wooded area on the 200 block of Fisher Avenue caught the eye of someone walking.

Hoquiam Police Chief, Jeff Myers said, “She looked into the woods beyond the rag and saw what appeared to be the body of an infant and she summoned a local paramedic who lives around the corner. He checked and paramedics responded and verified that it was in fact a deceased infant.”

Police said the infant was found in the fetal position and had sustained some sort of trauma. Detectives searched the scene while law enforcement began the search for the baby’s mother.

“It was key getting the word out with the media so that people were aware of the situation and that’s why the tips came in and why the case broke so quickly,” Chief Myers said.

Police began questioning a 21-year-old woman and her boyfriend. The couple led them to the Oasis Motel where detectives believe the baby was born.

Residents like Lori Nowitzki, say the news is very troubling.

“It’s an innocent life. It’s a child that didn’t have a chance,” she said.

Police are investigating this case as a homicide unless new details prove otherwise.

Chief Myers said, “There was visible trauma to the body. That’s why it’s going to be very important to get that autopsy and the results from the Grays Harbor County Coroner’s office to see how this case proceeds from here forward.”

Police said the couple is cooperating with this investigation. The mother was taken to a nearby hospital to be checked out. Possible charges against her and her boyfriend depend heavily on the autopsy of the infant.