California Woman Arrested After Newborn Baby Was Reportedly Found Dead In Parking Lot

Police arrested and charged a California woman after discovering her newborn baby abandoned on the street.

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Details On California Woman Who Allegedly Abandoned Her Newborn

Lodi police responded on Sept. 26 after receiving a report on an infant in the area, according to a post on Facebook.

ABC10 reports that grocery store employees found the infant in the location’s parking lot.

Per the outlet, store employee David Franco noticed the baby on the concrete. His co-worker, Silva Gonzalez, immediately called 911 after seeing the infant.

“I wanted to cry when I saw the [baby]. I just tried to see if it was moving or not, but I don’t see anything,” Gonzalez explained.

The employees shared with reporters that the sight of the child left them deeply traumatized.

According to PEOPLE, the initial investigation revealed that a California woman named Kathryn Grace Copeland had abandoned the newborn. Police arrested Kathryn Copeland and charged her with abandoning a deceased newborn.

The Lodi Police Department described the incident as extremely heartbreaking, noting its significant impact on many in the community.

“An incident like this can be difficult and evoke a wide range of emotions. Not only does it affect our community but also our first responders, including our officers, dispatchers, firefighters, and emergency medical personnel.” 

Furthermore, authorities also stressed that many organizations and resources are available to help those in need.

Additional Info On Kathryn Grace Copeland & Safety Measures In The Area

Per ABC10, authorities booked Kathryn Copeland into the San Joaquin County Jail on (Sept. 27). Jail records show that she is currently being held on a $5,000 bail and is due in court on October 1.

In light of the incident, Lodi Fire Battalion Chief Michael Allegre reminded Californians about the safe surrender system available for individuals unable to care for an infant.

“We give them a bracelet for the child and the mother. A serial number, if you will. They have 14 days to reclaim the child if they want it,” Allegre stated.

Since 2001, California has operated a Safely Surrendered Baby Program, allowing people to drop off babies at public or private hospital, as PEOPLE reports.

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