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UPDATE: Woman Police Say Abandoned Baby Appears In Court Save Email Print
Posted: 11:53 AM Aug 9, 2007
 Last Updated: 2:53 PM Aug 17, 2007
 Reporter: Randy Yohe
Email Address: randy.yohe@wsaz.com
158 comments Photos
A | A | A

The woman police say dropped off her newborn baby boy on a sweltering hot church doorstep faced a judge this morning.

A not guilty plea was automatically entered for Angela Dawn Brooks in Boyd County District Court.

The 29-year old from Louisa faces the felony charges of wanton endangerment and abandonment of a minor child. Brooks was arrested Friday night.

Catlettsburg police say Brooks left the 14 hour old Hispanic baby on the steps of First Church of the Nazarene Tuesday night. Police says she , then called 911 and reported on the baby from a nearby pay phone.

But, after a lengthy interview, investigators say Brooks may have been given bad advice and thought she had no other options. Investigators say she was advised by a WV adoption agency to drop the baby off at a church. Police also say she was afraid that her family would not accept the baby..

The baby is fine, a ward of the state

Police say our reports and showing surveillance video of suspect helped make the arrest

The single mother remains jailed on fifty thousand dollar cash bond.
Photo provided by the Catlettsburg Police Department.
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Posted by: SHERYL & BUD on Aug 17, 2007 at 08:02 AM
My heart goes out to Angela. She is our Cousin and I think she needs to have counseling. No matter what we have to remember she did what she though was best for the baby. There are many things she could have done far worse, if she wanted to harm the baby she never would have made the 911 call. Angela and her parents need our prayers and support right now. It is easy to say mean things but if you know the whole story I bet your opinion would be different.
Posted by: someone who loves them on Aug 17, 2007 at 02:23 AM
i am not upholding what she done as right...but if it was any of us in his place god only knows what we might have did...she is not getting off scott free....think of yourself in jail no way of seeing ur 2 yr old that u have only spend one night away from since his birth...this will be punishment for her the rest of her life...so no amount of jail tile could matter to her at this moment...put yourself in her shoes for awhile.....and her family also....she needs help right now more than hung....
Posted by: Brittani on Aug 16, 2007 at 06:57 PM
I think that the woman who left her own child on a church doorstep she get aressted as long as she can.
Posted by: not understanding on Aug 16, 2007 at 03:29 PM
as for the comment from understanding . i dont' know how you can set and justify someone leaving a baby in the hot sun and walking off. and no she didnt need my permission and it is evident it would be in her best interest not to take your advice evidentally you feel that is ok. and as for god having a family for this baby i hope so i hope this child will be placed with a family who cares a little more than she does it deserves this not to be left like a piece of trash maybe you need to set back and reevaluate, your thoughts on this and put yourself in this childs position. what she does was wrong and you know it whether you want to admit it or not and if you feel that kids are just like pieces of trash to be left anywhere than maybe you need to think about becoming a parent.
Posted by: Lisa on Aug 16, 2007 at 01:52 PM
Isn't it a pity the male who fathered this child is not put through the scrutiny that Angela has been? Thank You Rachael for clarify the ethnicity of the child. We know Angela did what she felt was in the best interest of the child. What she needs now is a positive support system. Can you just imagine what she is going through right now physically, emotionally, etc? My thoughts and prayers are with you Angela.
Posted by: co-worker on Aug 16, 2007 at 01:50 AM
If I had $50,000 I would go her bail. I do not think she should be in jail. I wish we could get her released if she is still in there. I thought she looked pregnant but she wore regular clothes and I did not want to offend her about her pregnancy if she was not. She is a very sweet woman and if any of you knew her you would not say these bad things against her. She did what she thought was right and she is the one who has to live with her decision not us. I would have took her baby in a heart beat no questions asked. I hope her family is standing beside her and supporting her. Keep your head up Angela we are all praying for you. You know your friends at the job you worked are all rooting for you.
Posted by: Understanding on Aug 15, 2007 at 10:42 PM
STOP!!!!!! Angela did what she thought was right. She didn't need your permission to make her decision,and she doesn't need it now!!! Only she knows why she did and I'm sure she loves her children, BOTH of them. As for the comment about being fixed as to not have any more babies, only GOD has that choice.All things happen for a purpose, maybe GOD has a family for this baby,a family who couldn't have children and would be very thankful for this baby. As for the comment of how she could be pregnant and not know, it happens everyday not all bodies are alike, some women aren't regular, some women never miss even when there pregnant. I can't have children,and am seeking to adopt,but it's not easy, there are no babies available,there's a long waiting list. So therefore don't judge..Just PRAY that GOD takes controll of the citutation and has his way in both Angela and her childrens lives.
Posted by: Angie on Aug 15, 2007 at 10:38 PM
I worked with Angie for the last five months. Noone knew she was pregnant. I have a four year old myself and I cant imagine giving birth by myself and having the COURAGE to go and take her safely somewhere after 14 hrs. She had other options but she felt what she was doing was right. I dont think anyone should judge her she has to live with this forever. Whether she gets time or not its something she has to live with that to a good parent is enough of a sentence. Her best option was to take it to the police station. If she would've done that noone would have been the wiser but Angie I can say I wouldve taken the baby no questions asked. I feel sorry for her other child but we will pray for you and the babies. Good luck and I'm proud of you!!!
Posted by: Erin on Aug 15, 2007 at 09:55 PM
angela is such an awesome person..and i know most of you can't see that through this whole ordeal. i feel in my heart..knowing her for many years that she would not harm anyone..especially a child. she was doing what she thought was in the best interest of the child. maybe she was given bad advice from an adoption agency..these things happen. whatever you do, don't sit around and pass judgment on her..that's not your job. you don't know what she was going through..you don't know how hard it was for her to seek out the bad information to begin with..or to actually come down to the act of lying the baby down and turning and walking away...unless you have been in this situation..unless you are angela..keep your mouth shut. as many people have said, thank God she didn't kill the baby and put it in a dumpster...or just leave it lying on the steps..she made an attempt to get the proper people involved to help out in this matter..she did care and i'm sure she does care..just pray for her
Posted by: Kayla on Aug 15, 2007 at 03:12 PM
I have not one ounce of sympathy for this woman. She knew what she was doing was wrong. If she didn't want to keep the baby for whatever reasons she could have taken him to the police department or hosptial "NOT" church steps. It was way too hot to leave a newborn baby on the steps of a church. The only thing that I believe was done right in this whole ordeal is the fact that she did call 911. But why not take him on to the police station??
Posted by: Brittany on Aug 15, 2007 at 03:09 PM
I think that this woman was 100% in the wrong. How do you not know that your pregnant?
Posted by: Stephanie S. on Aug 15, 2007 at 06:45 AM
If you dont have something good to say dont say nothing at all. stop posting anonymous so you can talk crap, im a good friend of hers and what you say about her effects me so i suggest you stop
Posted by: For kids happiness on Aug 14, 2007 at 08:30 PM
If she would have aborted there wouldn't be a discussion now. Kudos to you Angie for being brave and allowing your son to be able to have the life you knew you couldn't provide for him. Adoption is the loving option!!!! Praise God for women like you! If we prosecute her we will see more women concealing their pregnancies and killing the babies and covering it up. She loved him more than that! She did call 911....what is safer than a church anyway? You are one brave woman Angie and my thoughts and prayers go out to you! Be careful judging her if you haven't walked in her shoes!
Posted by: Rachael on Aug 14, 2007 at 05:42 PM
I FEEL THE NEED TO CLEARIFY SOME THINGS.... FIRST OFF THE BABY IS NOT HISPANIC HE IS BIRACIAL... 2ND SHE DIDNT EVEN KNOW SHE WAS PREGNANT.... 3RD SHE DIDNT TRY TO PICK WHICH CHILD SHE WANTED.. GET REAL... SOME OF YOU NEED TO CLIMB BACK IN THE BOX YOU GOT OUT OF... YOU ARE SO CLOSED MINDED.... SHE HAD THIS BABY AT HER HOUSE, BY HERSELF AT 3:00 AM ... WHEN SHE DIDNT KNOW WHAT ELSE TO DO, SHE CALLED A WV ADOPTION AGENCY... THEY TOLD HER TO TAKE HIM TO A CHURCH....SHE DID WHAT SHE THOUGHT WAS BEST FOR HIM... SHE IS A GREAT MOTHER AND WOULD ONLY DO GOOD FOR HER CHILDREN.... SHE DOESNT NEED YOU TO FEEL SAD FOR HER BECAUSE SHE DID WHAT "YOU" THOUGHT WAS THE WRONG DECISION. WHATS SAD IS SOME OF YOU ALL HAVE NO IDEA WHAT IT WAS LIKE TO WALK 5 MINUTES IN HER SHOES. SHE DID A GOOD THING... AND AS HER FRIEND I SUPPORT THE DECISION SHE MADE. I LOVE YOU ANGELA AND I SUPPORT YOU 100%.
Posted by: anonymous on Aug 14, 2007 at 04:12 PM
i totally disagree with everyone stating this lady thought she was doing the right thing , if she thought she was doing the right thing she would have given birth at hospital where child could have properly been taken care of , i feel no sympathy for her , i am a mother myself and i couldn't imagine choosing one child over another my opinion of this lady she didn't think nor care about this baby or she wouldn't have left the baby in the hot sun, my opinion 50,000 is to little to let her out on. the only thing i hope is that the baby is given to someone who deserves it and the mother takes action to make sure she cannot have anymore children to abandon.
Posted by: shelley on Aug 14, 2007 at 03:59 PM
i've known angela most of my life through sports. im sorry that she found herself in this situation with no one to trust or help but a telephone. im glad you reached out angela, just given bad advice. i dont agree that she needs to be jailed for this act. good luck angela- we'll be praying for you and your family.
Posted by: Mom from Catlettsburg on Aug 14, 2007 at 03:36 PM
Living in this area I know there were far better choices Angela could have made. Within minutes of where the baby was left there are 2 fire departments, a police station, and an Outreach center. Where the baby was left is a high traffic area, a train track across the street, and any possibility of animals that could have reached him in the time it took for her to call and the police to arrive. If the baby was crying no one could have heard him. It took her at least 5-6 minutes to reach the pay phone and this is if she did not have to stop for redlights. Everyone speaks of the "Safe Haven" law. Does it really seem to anyone this was a safe haven for this baby. She does deserve to be punished with the amount of possibilities there was for her to take this child. No child deserves this and there was no way for her to know what was taking place at the church in the heat. Also is anyone aware that there is a brick wall in front of the door of the church? This would hold the heat.
Posted by: green on Aug 14, 2007 at 02:32 PM
No, she is not being punished for doing a good thing. This wasn't a good idea. I think she had good intentions, but her overall decision was poor. The fact that she could have done worse doesn't mean what she did was right. Obviously, the adoption agency needs to be looked into as well. If it turns out they did indeed give her poor advice certainly that needs to be taken into consideration. I believe they may have told her to take him to a church, which means they are not familiar with local law and should be. However, I doubt they recomended leaving him at an EMPTY church on a hot day. Again, I think she did what she thought was best and didn't want any harm to come to this child. She just didn't think it all through. I don't think her punishment should or will be that severe, but she at least needs to be held accountable. I also agree that education of the Safe Haven law needs to be more widely spread.
Posted by: DE on Aug 14, 2007 at 12:23 PM
I KNOW ANGELA, AND HAVE FOR SEVERAL YEARS. I CAN'T IMAGINE THAT SHE WOULD EVER DO THIS UNLESS SHE FELT THAT SHE HAD NO OTHER OPTIONS. WE'VE ALL BEEN RAISED AND TOLD THAT CHURCH IS THE SAFEST PLACE ON EARTH FOR US, WHAT BETTER A PLACE FOR HER TO HAVE TAKEN THE BABY. SHE OBVIOUSLY WAS CONCERNED FOR THE WELL-BEING OF HER NEWBORN SON SINCE SHE CALLED 911 TO TELL THEM ABOUT THE BABY. SHE IS IN MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS. I WISH I HAD KNOW SOONER THAT SHE WAS PREGNANT, I WOULD HAVE GLADLY ADOPTED HER BABY BOY!
Posted by: judee on Aug 14, 2007 at 10:46 AM
some churches do have people in them everyday...they have secs. and the pastors some times are there all day...maybe she thought someone was there...i still think if she had aborted this baby...that would have been ok to some people ...even legal...she made sure the baby was found...she is not a criminal...murderers are out on the street...druggies and drug sellers are on the street...how about spending the money on getting them off the street...and let this mom go back to her toddler...i am sure she loves this baby...she just wasnt able to care for two babies...GOD BLESS HER
Posted by: jan on Aug 14, 2007 at 09:44 AM
She should not be jailed. I feel so horrible for this mother. She obviously cared enough for this child to see that it got help immediately. She is punished for doing a GOOD thing.
Posted by: Lee on Aug 14, 2007 at 09:09 AM
I feel this woman should not be punished. She did what she thought was right and what an adoption agency told her to do. She did not abort the baby or leave it in some nasty bathroom or trash dumpster. Her being punished is only going to make women feel that there is no option but to do something that will harm the baby. I think people should be more educated on the Safe Haven law. Then, the adoption agency would have told her the correct thing to do or she would have known already. She had the baby's best interest in mind and her actions show it; calling an adoption agency, leaving it at a church and immediately calling 911. Now that her family knows of her mistakes, they should try to be understanding and help her to get on the right path and adopt the baby.
Posted by: just passing through on Aug 14, 2007 at 06:29 AM
may god be with her and that baby!! she has to think about how she handled this for the rest of her life. she should have did things differently but im sure she knows this. why, after having one child that is hispanic would she do this for that reason. why cant she just say i didnt want the baby because basically thats what it all comes down to. i feel for her really because like i said she has to think about how she handled this for the rest of her life. sad that people feel like they can have children and pick the ones they want to keep. that is so sad!! may god be with that little boy!!!!
Posted by: co worker on Aug 14, 2007 at 02:41 AM
I am a co worker of Angela's and no one knew she was pregnant. I thought she was but she wore regular clothing. I wish a million times I would have asked her if she was pregnant. I would love to have this little boy. If things were different I am sure Angela would love to be at home with both her sons but she felt she had no where to turn. Angela we are are praying for you! If I could come up with the money I would pay your bond! Maybe we should all get together and try to get her out, any suggetions!
Posted by: T.G. on Aug 14, 2007 at 01:20 AM
I feel this woman did what she felt best for the infant, she could have kept him and abused and/or neglected him in the near future. At least she called 911.
Posted by: green on Aug 14, 2007 at 12:42 AM
I don't feel that the woman being punished will make other women do worse harm or even kill their children rather then abandoning them because of fear of punishement. My hope is that this will make women aware that if they find they cannot care for their child there are specific places they can take them where they will be safe and they will not be reprimanded, such as a fire station or hospital. I could be mistaken, but I truly believe this will raise awareness, so others won't make the same mistake.
Posted by: Suzanne on Aug 14, 2007 at 12:31 AM
ADOPTION NOT ABORTION! GIVE THE WOMAN A BREAK THERE ARE MANY MANY WORSE THINGS SHE COULD HAVE DONE. I AM SURE SHE THOUGHT THAT BY LEAVING IT AT THE CHURCH SHE WAS MAKING SURE THAT THE BABY WOULD BE GIVEN CARE. THIS LIES IN EDUACATION! OBVIOUSLY SHE WASN'T EDUACTED ON WHERE TO LEAVE THE BABY AND PERHAPS THIS IS SOMETHING THAT NEEDS TO BE ADVERTISED AND TAUGHT A LITTLE MORE SHE OBVIOUSLY DID NOT WANT ANY HARM TO COME TO THE BABY OR SHE WOULD NOT HAVE CALLED 911 OR CHOSEN A CHURCH IN WHICH TO LEAVE THE BABY! GOD WILL FORGIVE HER AND NOW THE BABY WILL BE GIVEN A CHANCE TO BE RAISED BY SOMEONE WHO CAN GIVE IT THE HOME AND LOVE IT IS GOING TO NEED. IT COULD HAVE BEEN A DEAD BABY FOUND IN A BATHROOM STALL OR TRASH DUMPSTER!
Posted by: green on Aug 14, 2007 at 12:20 AM
I think it is very possible she thought she was doing the right thing, but that doesn't mean everything is okay. She should have thought to take him to a place where there were people. Sure, a church seems like a good place, but she did it on a day when there are no services. If she'd thought about it, she would have realized the church was empty and leaving him there wasn't a good idea. Yes, she did call the police, which possibly saved him, but she still left him there alone on a hot day. Some have pointed out that she at least didn't just kill him as some would. However, she still committed a crime, and the fact that she could have done something worse is not an excuse. Again, I think she made a mistake, truly believing what she was doing was right. And I do feel sorry for her, that she felt this was her only option. But she did endanger her child by leaving him there alone and should be held accountable for it.
Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 13, 2007 at 07:00 PM
She should be arrested.She is no better then any other person who has been arrested for NEGLECT.
Posted by: Michelle on Aug 13, 2007 at 06:25 PM
If this lady would happen to get up to 10 years in prison, we will definitely be seeing more and more babies in dumpsters and any other place a scared mom can put one. I think she done the right thing and I am backing her decision 100%. Yes, it was hot outside, but she called 911 for crying out loud. Its not like she just left him.
Posted by: jk on Aug 13, 2007 at 04:47 PM
don't blame the police officers in this case...they were only doing thier jobs...just pray they get help for this mother and her baby
Posted by: Diana on Aug 13, 2007 at 02:56 PM
If I have read these articles correctly, this woman was from KY. Why would she contact someone was a WV adoption agency? Did I miss read them and she's from WV and just took the baby to KY or what? Call me crazy but that seems old that if she is from KY that should would call an adoption agency from another state. I honestly hope that this baby finds a family who will want him and love him unconditionally.
Posted by: Joseph Fisher on Aug 13, 2007 at 02:10 PM
This woman needs everyone that can pray for her to do so. She needs love, not hate so do not give her hate. She probably feels all alone right now and every church in the tri-state needs to pray for her and not critize her right now. Help her don't push her away right now! Jesus can help if we allow him to work through us. We know that what she done appears to be wrong. Some may say how could a mother do that to a child of hers. At least it was left at a church and someone was notified. What if the baby was left there and it died due to the heat or what if this lady chose to have an abortion. Remember, the baby is fine right now and the one who needs help is this lady. PRAY FOR HER! Go visit her in jail. Remember judge not that ye be not judged for what judgement ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what judgement ye meet, it shall be measured to you again. Jesus is our righteous judge !
Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 13, 2007 at 01:57 PM
i think it is wrong.. as a christian person i think that she could have left it at a fire dept,police dept, or why did she just leave the baby out in the hot sun.. also there are plenty of people out there that cnat have kids that would love to have a kid to call thier own so why did she not put the baby up for adoption
Posted by: Misty on Aug 13, 2007 at 01:55 PM
Yes she should have not have left the baby on the front of the step of a church and on a hot day but i thank this woman for not killing her baby and people should look at that
Posted by: Jess on Aug 13, 2007 at 01:28 PM
I think people are over reacting she did call the police.. It was not like she just left atleast she called to tell them it was left there right after it was done. It is better than doing something else with it.. Like killing it.. Get a grip people..
Posted by: kevin on Aug 13, 2007 at 01:16 PM
$50 000 is a lot of bond for this lady who is not a danger to anyone.AND look boyd co if you would work hard on getting drugs off our streets ,instead of wasting our tax money on stuff like this .we would have a clean county
Posted by: Cuz on Aug 13, 2007 at 01:10 PM
I would like to let Angie and her family know that they are in our thoughts and prayers. I dont know why she left her baby, but I have heard so many stories about post-pardem depression that I wonder if that could have had something to do with it. I have talked to so many mothers who said that they have had bad thoughts after giving birth. They didnt go through with them, but until you walk in someone else shoes you dont have a clue what they have been through. I know what she did was wrong, I do hope that other women will learn that there are safe places if they are ever in a desperate situation like this. I agree that she must have loved this baby or she could have left him anywhere and not called 911 for help. PLEASE PRAY FOR ALL OF THEM..
Posted by: mother in Ky on Aug 13, 2007 at 01:01 PM
Let's remember that the way we judge shall be the way we are judged one day. I am just outraged that she was persecuted by the media and arrested by the police. She immediately called 911 so that someone would go to the baby, she didn't leave it there waiting for someone to find him. God Bless her for not aborting or killing her baby.
Posted by: CONCERNED MOTHER on Aug 13, 2007 at 12:35 PM
IF SHE DIDNT WANT HER BABY THERE WAS PLACES SHE COULD HAVE TAKEN THE BABY. FROM THE WAY IT SOUNDED SHE DIDNT EVEN DELIVER THE BABY AT A HOSP, IF SHE HAD SHE COULD HAVE TOLD THE HOSP STAFF AFTER TER DELIVERY THAT SHE WANTED TO PUT THE BABY UP FOR ADOPTION THERE ARE SOO MANY WOMEN THAT CAN NOT HAVE THEIR OWN CHILDREN, THOSE WOMAN WOULD GIVE THEIR LIFE TO HAVE CHILDREN OF THEIR OWN. THIS IS JUST SAD B/C WHE HAVE LOCAL HEALTH DEPTPARTMENTS THAT GIVE WOMEN FREE EXAMS AND BIRTH CONTROL.
Posted by: Stacy on Aug 13, 2007 at 12:27 PM
I am very concerned that the message that thi is gonna give isnt gonna be good.......If a woman doesnt feel comfortable taking an unwanted child to a safe place what else can they do........well lets see how many times the news does a story about an infant being found in a gutter, or a dumpster or in an alley.....I feel that she really thought she was doing right by this child and now what tell every single mother, prostitute or homeless woman that they are just as wrong for killing their child as this woman is for trying to make sure her child had a better life sentenced will be their verdict.....thats just isnt right I am sorry its not
Posted by: shawna holbrook on Aug 13, 2007 at 12:07 PM
is the abandoned child up for adoption? If so how can one find out how to go about applying for adoption of this baby?
Posted by: Mom of 3 on Aug 13, 2007 at 10:42 AM
Boyd County is setting a bad precident with this. This woman should not be in jail. Her arrest for doing what she thought at the time was right is now sending the wrong message to other distraught new mothers. In the future you may now find more infants deceased in dumpsters and alleys.
Posted by: Gina on Aug 13, 2007 at 10:23 AM
I found out Ky does have a "State infant act of 2002" so why is a chruch not consired a safe place? She called the police after she dropped the baby. Was she supposed to reasearch the law in her state of mind and find out if she went to a hospital instead of a chruch she would not be arrested? I dont think anyone who would abandon her baby would be mentaly capable of that at that very moment she could have just thrown the baby away and no one would have ever been the wiser. Let the woman free with some mental council and give the baby a good home.
Posted by: Gina on Aug 13, 2007 at 10:10 AM
If this lady had just came over to Ohio or West Virginia she would not be in jail because of "Safe Heaven" laws she thought she left the baby somewhere safe and called the law. Kentucky should also adapt a "Safe Heaven" law similar as 30 states have now.
Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 13, 2007 at 08:42 AM
No one knows what type of situation she was in. Maybe she did what was best for the child at this time. This could have been a means of protecting the baby from harm that we have no idea of. Until we are put in her same situation, we have no right say what she did was wrong. We live in a small town and people know each other, maybe she was worried someone would recognize her if she took him to the proper place. I can only hope that she receives the help she needs and not a jail sentence that will serve no purpose what so ever in this situation. I know this person, and if she did this, she had to have very good reason. I feel she had the baby's best interest at heart, she did call the police. She did not leave him with out making sure he was found!
Posted by: Stephanie S on Aug 13, 2007 at 07:43 AM
Let me be the first to tell you, you donot know her situation, everyone who disagrees with what she did let me tell you this... noone knew she was preg, not even me the person she considers her best friend and she usually tells me everything, she could have killed or dumped the baby. She has been through alot and the father of her toddler isnt around so before you are quick to judge and say what you would do, you dont really know til you walked in her shoes. She is a very good mother to her toddler, she would risk her life for that child, i know this doesnt excuse nor make it ok for what she did but we all of done things we are not proud of and at least she tried to get it help, she honestly must have thought the church was one of the safe child law places, or maybe she didnt... i didnt even know it exsisted until this happened, i know she didnt mean the child harm, like someone said before if she would have had an aortion just a few months ago it would have been perfectly legal!!
Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 13, 2007 at 06:12 AM
Here are the Ky safe haven law. If you will google this you will find it. Infant Safe Haven Laws- Kentucky Infant's Age Statute: §§ 216B.190; 405.075 72 hours old or younger Who May Relinquish the Infant Statute: §§ 216B.190; 405.075 Parent Any person Who May Receive the Infant Statute: §§ 216B.190; 405.075 Emergency medical services provider Police officer Firefighter
Posted by: Mom in KY on Aug 12, 2007 at 11:15 PM
Some people are acting like this poor helpless baby was a puppy and she just decided she didn't want it. The baby was left outside at a church where service was not being conducted and no one was. IF she wanted to do something good why didn't she go to the fire department, police station or hospital.... a place that is manned 24/7?? She should be punished, I don't necessarily think jail time is necessary, but her rights should be terminated... granted this was abuse and neglect, bodily harm wasn't done to the baby and he is healthy. I do think she should be punished but jail time may be a little harsh.
Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 12, 2007 at 11:07 PM
Why exactly would one think that a church would be occupied on a day when no worship services are being held?This woman did not act in good faith,im sure she noticed that there were no church officials around and that the building was completely empty.She broke the law and deserves to be punished,its as simple as that.The police did their job well and certainly dont deserve any criticism from the public.
Posted by: Teresa on Aug 12, 2007 at 11:04 PM
Most of these comments I have not read. And I try not to judge someone. No one really knows what this person was thinking, and I give her credit for not taking the life of this child. She probably thought about hurting, even killing this baby, but she DID NOT, could have BUT DID NOT. I no longer understand these laws. Hurt or kill someone you get a few years (maybe) Think about doing it--you will be punished. She had a choice, she had a decision to make. Give her some credit for not killing her baby!
Posted by: Lesia on Aug 12, 2007 at 09:25 PM
Thank you Angela Brooks for not killing your child, my thoughts are with you, someday you can live in peace knowing you did what you thought was right, what ever your reasons for not keeping your son,only you and god know why. If there is another troubled pregnant women out there, do the right thing give your baby a chance at life, let some one love your child and be a parent to it. Don't judge until you walk in her shoes.
Posted by: Tony on Aug 12, 2007 at 07:07 PM
I feel that I must comment on this case. I have read many of the posts and agree with them. This lady should not be in jail. Dhe was trying to help her child and simply got drop off areas wrong. I was watching the news the other evening when Mr. Yoeh was inviewing the police. What a piece of drama..."a dog could have come along...! OK, one would think that a church would have someone there. Evidently not in this case. What a shame. I pray for her release and a reasonable outcome.
Posted by: Concerned Individual on Aug 12, 2007 at 06:39 PM
After reading everyones comments I feel both ways for this mother. Many of you have spent time bashing the police, but they have done nothing wrong. This women did endanger this helpless child. Yes she did take it to a church which is a question free drop off center, but she did it on a very hot day and there was no one at the church. Although she did call the police she could have ran into a sitution where they could no have came to the call immediatly and the innocent baby could have suffered from a heat stroke or he could have rolled out into the street. That goodness God was on his side. He is in good hands now. Putting this mother in jail for endangering a child will teach her a lesson along with teaching other a lesson. A majority of you need to stop bashing the police and We all need to take a moment and thank the Catlettsburg Police Dept and all the other police dept for putting their lives in danger to protect us. They do all they can do to make our town a better place.
Posted by: AT on Aug 12, 2007 at 05:17 PM
Atleast she called somebody, don't be so quick to judge.
Posted by: jk on Aug 12, 2007 at 04:37 PM
First off the baby wasnt...simply abandoned on the steps of a church in Catlettsburg, KY...and no one bothered to say the mother turned herself in...she did the right thing the wrong way no one knows the whole story to some it would make some differents to others it would not....no one can truly say what they would have did in her place....you can say what u think u would do but that is all....just be thankful they are both ok....she made sure the baby was picked up and taken care of.
Posted by: mother of four on Aug 12, 2007 at 01:54 PM
i agree that some people get in situations and make bad decisions but she couldve left this baby at the hospital or took it back and just told them she couldnt take care of him.. its by the grace of god that this baby wasnt hurt, he couldve been though.. although it wasnt the worst that couldve been done it wasnt right either, that baby boy deserved more than that...
Posted by: Kristy on Aug 12, 2007 at 01:52 PM
She must have a reason do that. They shouldn't do a fast think against her to make her look bad after till CPS find out why she done that. Aleast She didn't murder that child like other did. God bless and helps them both.. I would love to adopt him if She no longer wants him.
Posted by: RAINBOW on Aug 12, 2007 at 01:00 PM
I have to leave a comment...this poor lady will no doubt spend more time in jail, than someone who killed their child, the laws are so NOT fair, I could see putting her in jail IF she had not called the proper people, but come on she didn't want nothing bad to happen to this child, I am with the person who said lets all show her our support by showing up at the courthouse Monday morning, I am all with showing her my support! LET HER OUT OF JAIL!!
Posted by: Angie on Aug 12, 2007 at 11:10 AM
At least the baby was dropped off at a church where she probably thought good people went there and could help her son. Yeah she should have taken him to a hospital or something and went about it differently but she did what she could do at the time. I didn't think she'd be punished for this. Parents leave their children in locked hot cars and don't get punished as bad as she wil. It's sad. I feel for her and hope her and the baby will be okay.
Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 12, 2007 at 10:20 AM
LET'S GET TOGETHER AND SHOW UP MONDAY MORNING , THIS WOMEN NEEDS SOME SUPPORT!! IF SHE HAD HAD SUPPORT TO START WITH SHE MIGHT NOT HAVE HAD TO GOT TO DESPERATE MEASURES ...I WILL BE THERE , PLEASE JOIN ME . A MOTHER AND GRANDMOTHER I HAVE BEEN THERE WITH MY DAUGHTERS BUT I KNOW DEEP DOWN THEY WOULD HAVE BEEN LOST WITHOUT ME , EVEN THOUGHT THEY HAD HUSBANDS. THIS STORY MAKES ME SO ANGRY AT THE JUDICIAL SYSTEM .....PLEASE CONCIDER JOINING ME AT THE COURT HOUSE .
Posted by: Mother in KY on Aug 12, 2007 at 09:30 AM
The mother should be charged. KY has a safe haven law she could have went a few more blocks and dropped the baby off at the fire department and no one would have ever said anything. Church was not in session and no one was there not to mention it was over 100 degrees. I wouldn't even let my children outside to play much less leave them outside to go make a phone call that I'd done so. Granted no one knows what she was thinking and yes she could have buried it or not called. If she is not punished than that is a clear message to anyone that they can drop their newborn off ANYWHERE and if god forbid the baby doesn't survive that everyone will say "well it's okay, you tried to do the best thing even though you knowing broke the law".
Posted by: anonynous on Aug 12, 2007 at 12:02 AM
for whatever reason, this mother was in the wrong, definitely. but what if she really thought she was doing the right thing? was it rteally THAT bad. she did what she thought she had to do. she could have bgone crazy and killed this poor innocent soul but she didnt she cared enough to see to it that it was ok. im sure shes not proud of what she did.... at least she was responsible enough to leave it somewhere safe when she had no where else to turn. my prayers are with her and her baby..things happen for a reason. maybe this was a wakeup call to society. she needsw our support and prayers, not judgement, judgement is between her and god.
Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 12, 2007 at 12:00 AM
According to the majority of people here, we should apparently be grateful that this woman did not kill her child. How messed up is that? Has society degraded to the point that it is actually acceptable to believe that a mother does not have to do what's best for the child, as long as they don't kill it. Leaving a newborn alone on the pavement in heat like we've been experiencing is not "the best thing." Apparently I'm in the minority here, but I think this obviously adult woman had some much better options than she exercised here and I think she should be punished. She broke the law! We're now supposed to pick and choose which laws the police should punish someone for not obeying?
Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 11, 2007 at 10:47 PM
i agree us mother should show up monday morning at the court house and show our support.....and bless this mother and baby.....the baby wasnt harmed in anyway...the way she went around it might have been wrong but no one knows the whole story but her...she made shure the baby was found in short time...she could have buried this baby and no one would have evered known
Posted by: A Mother on Aug 11, 2007 at 10:43 PM
I also do not think she needs to be jailed. she did not harm the child, yes it was very hot, but God was with that little onr that way. I'm not the judge nor the jury, but I think she needs harsh punishment, not jail. She cared enough not to harm the baby. Think what she has to explain to the baby's brother though. Haven't we heard worst stories about things being done with babies? She needs mental help and some kind of good punishment, not jail. One's opinion only.
Posted by: Jon on Aug 11, 2007 at 10:39 PM
I was under the impression there was a ferderal law protecting mothers who leave their children (up to 72 hours old) at churchs, police stations, or hospitals. This woman SHOULD NOT be arrested.
Posted by: Stephanie on Aug 11, 2007 at 08:59 PM
This lady left her baby in front of church thinking someone would find him and take care of him. WHY does she deserve to be in jail? She didn't kill him, she didn't throw him in the garbage, she was trying to help him by giving him to someone who could care for and take care of him. I believe she was truly doing what was best for the child--not intentionally trying to hurt him but help him. Shame on the police for arresting this woman. Go arrest some drug dealers, rapists, murderers, or child abusers. Quit wasting time on this poor lady who probably had no idea she was breaking the law.
Posted by: Kirk on Aug 11, 2007 at 06:19 PM
What is the point of making a law that permits a parent to drop off an infant within a few days of it's birth if that parent is going to be prosecuted. She left her baby at a church and had enough compassion to call the authorities before leaving. The fact that she did as the law states is legal and is now facing punishment in the judicial system only deters other mothers from acting as she did and dropping their baby off in an abandoned house or a dumpster. To all that are opposed to her actions, you may want to consider that this could have been much worse. Many kids grow up with drug addict parents or are physically, emotionally, or sexually abused at home. She did what is right, by LAW, and is now facing prosecution. I'm sure that there are many people who are willing to care for this child and give it the love that it needs and deserves.
Posted by: A Mother on Aug 11, 2007 at 06:05 PM
I fill very sorry for this lady. She has got to have some mental problems or she would have sought help. We don't know what people go through. I don't know her but, she doesn't look like a dope head or someone who would hurt her child under normal conditions. She needs mental help, not jail time. Please pry so she can get the help she needs. I am sure her family is hurting.
Posted by: Steven on Aug 11, 2007 at 05:48 PM
when will the law quit? this lady did what she thought was right for the wellfair of the child. she didn't kill the child or hurt it in any way. the police always mke statements like "what if a dog came along", the mfacts are one didn't. you police don't serve anyone but yourselves. 911 was called and the story should be over. years ago this was no crime but any more if you put on the wrong color underwear, your a criminal! i do think this lady should be evaluated and let the professionals of psycology handle it, not policeman thinking this one arrest is a merit going towards his pension!
Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 11, 2007 at 05:12 PM
I'm not here to judge her but,if she knew she couldn't raise another child why didn't she just give the child up for adoption or give it to a family member to raise instead of leaving it in 100 degree weather where the child could have died.
Posted by: To LaraBeth on Aug 11, 2007 at 05:02 PM
I agree with you. She was probably mistaken on drop-off sites. According to posts on this site, most are not aware of acceptable places to leave a child.
Posted by: LaraBeth on Aug 11, 2007 at 02:56 PM
I, like many have mixed feelings.... but I believe that she should not be put in jail, rather given the mental help she needs, after giving up her baby. I beleive that she thought this was the best thing for the baby and I think that she called as soon as she dropped the baby off, and with the cameras being "proof" of who the lady is, that says to me that she was still where she could keep an eye n the baby till help arrived. I think that rather then puting her in jail, you should instead use our tax money to advertise the safe infant locations and rules that will help bring awarness to our comunity ans those who need the help.
Posted by: Jeannie on Aug 11, 2007 at 02:54 PM
Though most of you indicate that leaving the baby in 100 degree heat was inexcusable and this is why she should be punished, I question the sincerity of these statements. I believe most of you are mad because she was giving away her baby. Would you have preferred the dumpster?
Posted by: M on Aug 11, 2007 at 02:27 PM
i think its terrible this woman has been arrested. maybe it wasnt the "perfect" place to leave a child, but she did have enough compassion to call the authorites. i think we all will agree thats alot better than killing it or throwing it in a dumpster like it was yesterday trash. And then there is this "law" no questions asked, but does that happen, no, they hunt this women down like a dog. So what happens to the next women, who cant take care of a child, will she be brave enough to take the child somewhere and make sure it gets the help and life she cant give it, or does she do soemthing stupid in fear of prosecution.
Posted by: Amy on Aug 11, 2007 at 01:39 PM
It is so ridiculous that she is being charged for this. I mean, my God, at least she didnt kill the baby, which is what some people would've done. You have heroin and crack addicts that expose their children to all sorts of extreme danger. They take the child away while the parents get "help". Then the get their children back only to relapse and do it again. What harm has this woman done to this child? She didn't leave him in a room full of drugs, guns, or hypodermic needles. She left him on the steps of a CHURCH and called 911. She probably already feels guilty enough. Leave her alone.
Posted by: Rachael on Aug 11, 2007 at 01:30 PM
In a desperate time Angela did what she thought was right for the child she gave birth too. No one knows what she went thru in the time she was pregnant til she dropped the baby off. All I know is from knowing her, she is a wonderful mother to her child (the toddler)... and i believe in my heart that even tho where she dropped of the baby off wasnt the safest place... her actions were to give the baby a better life then what she could have given him. I can tell that she cared, or she wouldnt have wrapped him in blankets and left a bottle for him, and then with in minutes went to a phone to call 911. People need to know the full story, before they Judge.. that is what alot of you have done(by your comments)was judged her! You dont know her! I have trusted her several times to watch over my own son. I know she didnt do this to harm the child but to help him. She was emotional, prob heart broken, desperate, and confused. This doesnt make her a bad mother.
Posted by: someone on Aug 11, 2007 at 01:12 PM
Hey I know this person. She is a very sweet person, I wish I knew she was going thru something that she felt she had to abandon her baby. My daughter is 27 an