In a distressing incident, an abandoned newborn was discovered deceased in a waste receptacle on the premises of the University of Tampa on Sunday. The Tampa Police Department swiftly responded to the distressing scene following a report received before 7 p.m. indicating the tragic finding near McKay Hall, located at 401 W. Kennedy Blvd.
Upon their arrival, officers uncovered the lifeless body of a newborn girl carefully wrapped in a towel within the confines of a garbage bin. Prompt action by law enforcement led to the location and subsequent transportation of the infant’s mother to a nearby medical facility. Notably, the mother, identified as a student at the university in her late teens, was promptly attended to by medical professionals.
The circumstances surrounding this heart-wrenching event remain under intense investigation, with authorities awaiting the results of a comprehensive autopsy to ascertain both the cause of the baby’s untimely demise and her developmental stage at the time of the tragic incident. Chief Lee Bercaw of the Tampa Police Department expressed profound empathy, acknowledging the inherent tragedy of such loss, and emphasized the availability of support resources for expectant mothers facing similar challenges.
In response to the ongoing investigation, the University of Tampa promptly issued a campus-wide alert, assuring the safety of its community members while urging vigilance in the designated areas. McKay Hall, a residence accommodating 160 students, emerged as the focal point of police activity in the aftermath of the somber discovery.
In a show of solidarity and support, the university administration extended counseling services and resources to its campus community, acknowledging the potential emotional impact of the event. Vice Presidents Stephanie Russell Krebs and Monnie Wertz issued a joint statement, reaffirming the campus’s commitment to fostering a supportive environment during this challenging time.
The Tampa Police Department reiterated the existence of Florida’s Safe Haven law, which provides a safe and legal avenue for parents to anonymously surrender unharmed newborns aged seven days or younger to designated facilities, without fear of repercussions. Additionally, expectant mothers in need of assistance are encouraged to avail themselves of various support services provided by local and national organizations.
Notably, recent legislative efforts aimed at enhancing child welfare include a proposed bill to extend the age limit for infant surrender under the Safe Haven law to 30 days. If enacted, this legislation seeks to mitigate instances of unsafe infant abandonment, ensuring timely intervention and care for vulnerable newborns.
The tragic incident underscores the critical importance of community support and awareness in safeguarding the well-being of newborns and expectant mothers. As authorities continue their investigation into this heartbreaking event, the collective call for compassion and support resonates across the Tampa Bay area, reaffirming the imperative of nurturing a culture of care and protection for the most vulnerable members of society.
