Autopsy determines that abandoned infant was not stillborn

The Riverside County Sheriff's Department continues to seek the public's help in identifying the mother of a dead infant who was discarded in the trash at a location in the 1700 block of Goetz Road in Perris on Friday.

An updated news release today states that an autopsy determined the infant was alive at birth and not stillborn. "If you know someone who was due to give birth, is no longer pregnant, and you believe there is cause for concern, contact Investigator Magana at 951-955-2777," the news release states.

"The Safely Surrendered Baby Law (also known as the Safe Haven Law or Newborn Abandonment Law) allows a parent to 'safely surrender' their unwanted newborn within three days of birth to an employee at any hospital emergency department, most fire stations or other designated 'safe havens' in California, without the fear of arrest or prosecution, as long as the baby has not been abused or neglected," the news release continues.