KEARNS, Utah - Authorities are investigating after a newborn girl was found in a garbage can at a Kearns home Tuesday morning.
Det. Jared Richardson said medical crews determined the infant girl was born over the weekend and the mother put the 3-day-old girl in the garbage Tuesday at about 6 a.m. before going to work.
Officials said the girl was in the garbage can for about an hour but she was not fed for the last three days.
She is in critical condition and is said to be worsening.
The mother is being evaluated at the hospital.
Crews said the garbage can belonged to the next-door neighbor near 5300 S. and 5200 W.
Neighbors said they heard a noise coming from the can and thought it was a kitten at first before finding the newborn.
Officials said the mother is 24 and they do not believe she has any other children.
Police have not confirmed any information on the child's father at this time.
Help is available for all newborns and mothers with Utah's Newborn Safe Haven law.
In May 2001, a state-wide law went into effect in Utah allowing birth parents to anonymously give up custody of their newborn child without facing any legal consequences.
You can leave your baby, up to 3 days old, with an employee on duty at any hospital emergency room, open 24 hours 7 days a week, in Utah.
The Utah Newborn Safe Haven has a toll-free hotline (1-866-458-0058) available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Find out more about Utah's Safe Haven Law here
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