Authorities trying to determine if newborn died before being left at fire station in duffel bag

A newborn baby boy was found dead inside a duffel bag that had been dropped outside a local fire station over the weekend. Chicago authorities are still trying to determine whether the baby was already dead before it was left outside the unstaffed fire station.

Though an autopsy was completed on Sunday, a cause of death and manner of death are still pending according to a spokesperson for the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office.

The infant’s body was found on Saturday at around 5 a.m. outside a station on the 1000 block of North Orleans Street.

According to an earlier report by The Chicago Sun-Times, the station where the newborn had been left is frequently understaffed, and workers did not know what happened until they went outside that morning to clear snow.

“They were in and out so much that morning that no one heard the doorbell,” said Chicago Fire Department spokesman Larry Langford. He added that the firehouse is an air supply maintenance facility.

The station does have a “Safe Haven” sign on one of its doors, which means parents can hand over their newborns at designated safe spaces with no questions asked. The law does require, though, that the infants be physically given to another person.

“We’re trying to make it clear that you have to make contact,” Langford continued. “Ringing a bell is not making contact. You have to physically see someone and hand the child over.” 

Following the incident, the Chicago Fire Department reminded the community about the law on social media. “Illinois’ Safe Haven law is a safe way for parents who make the difficult choice to give up a newborn for adoption,” they noted.

“Handing over a newborn to a Firefighter or Paramedic directly at a firehouse can help facilitate the safest outcome. No questions asked and no judgement given.”

Officials have indicated that the parents of the late newborn will possibly face arrest and charges.