Dead newborn found in CR&R Perris trash

A newborn body was found in the CR&R Perris Transfer & Recovery Facility on Goetz Road Friday amongst trash that had been delivered there for processing. An autopsy conducted Monday determined the baby was born alive and thus the Sheriff’s Department’s Central Homicide Unit has taken over the investigation.

The investigation has now turned to attempting to find the birth mother for questioning and possible arrest.

Trash services in Canyon Lake are contracted to CR&R and dump trucks coming from Canyon Lake transfer their trash at the Perris facility where the baby’s body was found. The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department’s Media Information Bureau would not release  specific information because “this investigation is active and ongoing.”

The trash in which the baby’s body was found may have originated from Canyon Lake or any other municipality that utilizes CR&R for its refuse collection and takes its trash to the Perris transfer station.

Canyon Lakers, then, are among those who are being asked to help identify the mother of the infant.

“If you know someone who was due to give birth, is no longer pregnant and you believe there is cause for concern, please contact Investigator Magana at (951) 955-2777,” the Homicide Unit said.

Until the mother of the newborn is found, the Sheriff’s Department is staying quiet about any details.

“Unfortunately, not a lot of information is available for release at this time until verified,” Sergeant Lionel Murphy of the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department, said.

There is a no-questions-asked Safely Surrender program in place for those mothers who wish to give up their child after birth.

The Safely Surrendered Baby Law (also known as the Safe Haven Law or Newborn Abandonment Law) allows a mother to “safely surrender” her unwanted newborn within three days of birth to an employee at any hospital emergency department, most fire stations or other designated “safe havens” in California, without the fear of arrest or prosecution, as long as the baby has not been abused or neglected.