Authorities have arrested the mother of a baby who was found buried alive near a Southern California bike path the day after Thanksgiving. Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Sgt. Bob Boese told the Associated Press Sunday the woman was arrested late last week. He declined to release the woman’s identity, citing the ongoing nature of the investigation.
Local media reported that the mother’s identity and details of the baby’s condition would be released at a press conference Monday.
Boese said tips from the public and media coverage of the baby’s rescue led to the arrest.
The girl was believed to be 24 to 36 hours old when she was found Nov. 27. Two sisters walking on a bike path near a riverbed in Compton heard the child’s cry.
Two deputies found her wrapped in what appears to be a hospital blanket, buried in a hole under loose dirt and piece of asphalt. She was taken to a hospital in stable condition.
Authorities had previously said that whoever buried the child could face criminal charges, including attempted murder and child endangerment. However, it was not immediately clear whether charges had been filed.
According to California’s so-called “Safe Surrender” law, parents can drop off their children at any hospital or fire station within 72 hours of the child’s birth without fear of prosecution.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.