A man reportedly left a newborn girl near a walking path in Texas on a hot Saturday morning, officials revealed. Police stated in a press conference that the baby, seemingly born that morning, was discovered in Katy, approximately 30 miles west of Houston, around 9 a.m.
Texas Family Discovers Abandoned Newborn
A couple went out for an early walk with their child and dogs and found the newborn, who was wrapped in a towel.
Daniela Fedele explained that she and her family were out early to avoid the heat when their 3-year-old daughter spotted the infant while riding her bike toward her.
"I noticed movement from two little feet, and then my husband arrived with the dogs, and I called out to him, 'Oh my god, a baby, a baby,'" Fedele recounted. "He immediately said, 'Call 911, call 911,' and that's exactly what we did."
The abandoned newborn, characterized as premature with her umbilical cord still attached, was discovered in a stable situation and taken to a hospital for treatment, according to Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez.
Sergeant Juan Garcia affirmed in a press briefing that the baby had not been exposed to the hot weather for an extended period.
Expressing disbelief, Fedele couldn't understand why someone would abandon a baby. "I keep replaying this scene in my head so many times, and I just don't understand. How could someone do that? I was shocked, angry, upset," she said.
Authorities characterized the suspect as a young man who supposedly left the baby on a bridge at the start of the walking trail in Katy. He was described as slim, with fair complexion and black hair, wearing a black shirt and possibly gray pants. Police noted that the individual could face charges of child abandonment and endangerment.
Texas law includes a Safe Haven provision allowing unharmed children to be left without prosecution for abandonment.
Abandoned Newborn Found Near a Walking Path in Katy
Authorities are seeking information about the young man spotted with the baby. He was described as wearing a black shirt and possibly gray pants and was seen walking on the Plantation Lakes trail.
The baby was discovered on the 5500 block of Casa Martin, near the intersection of Greenhouse and N Fry Road in Katy.
Sergeant Juan Garcia from the child abuse unit stated that the baby appeared to be born that morning due to the attached umbilical cord and fresh placenta. Garcia praised the two witnesses who found the baby while walking with their child and dogs. They noticed a man walking away from a white towel, discovered the baby, and immediately contacted 911, ensuring the child wasn't exposed to the heat for long.
The National Weather Service warned of hot and humid weather over Father's Day weekend, with Katy's temperature forecasted to reach 95°F, making the timely discovery crucial.
Daniela Fedele, one of the witnesses, said that she initially couldn't believe her eyes when she saw the baby. Her husband, Luis Marin, added that the baby opened her eyes and looked at him, making it hard to understand how someone could abandon her.
As of Saturday, authorities had not obtained any leads but were reviewing surveillance footage from the area. The charges associated with the incident include child abandonment and endangerment.
Garcia urged parents needing help after giving birth to use the Baby Moses (Safe Haven) law, which permits them to leave their newborn at designated safe places like hospitals and fire stations without facing legal consequences.
Anyone with information regarding the case is urged to call 713-830-3250 or Crime Stoppers of Houston at 713-222-TIPS (8477).
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