FBI Offers Reward in Case of Dead Newborn

The FBI is offering up to $15,000 for any information that leads to the identification or arrest of the people responsible for leaving a deceased newborn in a portable toilet at a Michigan music festival last month. 

In a statement shared Monday, July 13, the Michigan State Police said they continue to “investigate the circumstances surrounding the infant’s death,” and noted the FBI’s involvement. “To assist investigators in identifying and apprehending those responsible, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is offering a reward of up to $15,000 for information leading to the identification, arrest, and conviction of the individual or individuals responsible,” they said. 

The body of the newborn was discovered at a portable toilet at the Electric Forest Festival in Rothbury, Michigan late last month. An employee of the restroom vending company discovered the body “during routine maintenance” on June 28. The portable toilet was located on the festival’s campgrounds. 

Details about the harrowing case have been scarce so far, but in their update Monday, the MSP did say that, based on preliminary autopsy findings, the newborn “was viable and was born alive.” They declined to share more at this time to “protect the integrity of the investigation.” 

“The MSP remains committed to a thorough investigation of this incident,” the police said. “We are confident that continued investigative efforts, combined with forensic science, will ultimately lead to the identification of the person responsible.”

The discovery of the deceased newborn was one of two shocking incidents to come out of Electric Forest this year. Another attendee, 28-year-old Jerard Jackson, was reported missing after the festival, July 29, and his body was later found in the woods nearby. Police said there was no indication of foul play, and said they believed Jackson died by suicide. An investigation remains ongoing.