The death of a newborn baby in Mecca was described Monday by the Sheriff's Department as a "suspicious death" and a Central Homicide Unit detective has been assigned, but no one has been arrested.
Coroner's officials said the deceased was an abandoned newborn found in a city park, in the 65000 block of Center Street. A coroner's statement described the boy's age as "fetus" and listed his last name as "Martinez-Gonzalez." The newborn had no first name.
Deputies responded after 7 a.m. Oct. 14 to the 65200 block of Cahuilla Street "regarding a deceased baby found at the location," Sgt. Jeff Buompensiero of the sheriff's Thermal Station said in a statement.
"The investigation found that it appears the baby was born and died at the location," Buompensiero said. "The cause of death is pending.
"Detectives from the Thermal Station and the Riverside Sheriff's Central Homicide Unit responded to the scene," Buompensiero said. "An adult female, possibly the baby's mother, was located at the scene. The female was transported to a local hospital for treatment. No arrests have been made in this case."
Anyone with more information was urged to call Investigator Loureiro from the Central Homicide Unit at (760) 393-3524.
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