Search For Mother Of Dead Newborn Heads To Mid-Michigan

ROSEVILLE (WWJ) - The search for the mother of a newborn baby who was found inside a container at a Roseville recycling center is moving to northern mid-Michigan.

Police say papers found at the ReCommunity Recycling Center on Groesbeck Highway, between 12 and 13 Mile roads, show that the dumpster containing the baby came from the area of Arenac, Midland and Roscommon counties.

Investigators have been trying to track down the mother after the baby was found late last Wednesday by workers on a sort line, wrapped in a bundle among other recyclables.

The baby, a Caucasian male, was full-term and is believed to have been delivered sometime between Dec. 25 and Jan. 12, according to police. He had no visible signs of trauma; final results of an autopsy are pending.

Authorities initially thought the baby might have belonged to a 25-year-old Lansing area woman who is charged in the 2013 death of her newborn daughter. While awaiting trial, Melissa Mitin allegedly gave birth to another child, a baby boy -- but told police she could not recall where he is. She's now back behind bars but her baby is still missing.

Anyone who might have information on the case is urged to contact police at 586-447-4483.

Authorities are reminding the public that Michigan has a "safe haven" law — which allows parents to safely surrender their newborn child, no more than 72-hours-old, to an employee who is inside and on duty at any hospital, fire department or police station, or by calling 911. This program is a safe, legal and anonymous alternative to abandonment or infanticide, and releases the newborn for placement with an adoptive family.