Newborn found dead in recycling bin may have been alive when left

Calgary police has stated that an autopsy has determined that a lifeless newborn found
in a parking lot on Christmas Eve was “alive at some point” but the cause of death is
“undetermined” and the baby’s mother has not yet been located. Police were called at
about 11:30 p.m. last Sunday by a resident who found the body of a newborn in a
parking lot behind a grocery store. Sgt. Martin Schiavetta said at a press conference
that no trauma was detected on the baby but further medical tests are underway and
the cause of death is "still being looked at." "Right now it’s undetermined," he said. "But
we can say through medical tests that at some point the child was alive. We do not
know if the child was alive at the time that it was placed in that parking lot."

“We want to speak to the mother,” Schiavetta said. "We are very concerned about the
mother's physical and mental state," he added.

The child has been described as a baby girl with light complexion and dark hair. Police
say they are concerned for the mother’s wellbeing, as evidence at the scene suggested
she may be in medical distress. Schiavetta said Calgary police are continuing to search
for the mother and told reporters that they have not received any tips on her

whereabouts. Police are focusing their search on the local area but are open to the
possibility that the mother may not be from Calgary, Schiavetta said.

Anyone with information about this incident or the possible identity of the mother is
asked to contact the Calgary Police Service at 403-266- 1234, or Crime Stoppers anonymously through the following methods.