UPDATE: Woman Police Say Abandoned Baby Appears In Court
UPDATE: Woman Police Say Abandoned Baby Appears In Court Save Email Print
Posted: 6:20 PM Aug 11, 2007
 Last Updated: 2:53 PM Aug 17, 2007
 Reporter: Randy Yohe
Email Address: randy.yohe@wsaz.com
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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 and can not have children. We would have love to adopt him. I feel by them arresting her it will lead to other babies being found dead. She called 911 and I am sure she stayed until she could see them or heard the sirens. She should not be charged with anything. God Bless her for chosing life for her son.
Posted by: RAINBOW on Aug 11, 2007 at 01:02 PM
I think it is TERRIBLE that this lady was arrested, she done what she felt was right, the child is okay she wanted this small child to have more than what she could give, it isn't like she didn't call anybody! Lay off this poor lady and let her live her life!
Posted by: have a heart on Aug 11, 2007 at 12:43 PM
Please, people, have a heart. This young mother did what she felt was best for her baby and I can only imagine how hard that was for her. She made SURE that the authorities were notified; had she had any criminal intent, she would have dumped the baby in a dumpster or the Ohio River. And from what I understand she put the baby under a porch where it was shaded from the 100 degree heat and wasn't there for very long because the mother called police. I don't feel any charges should be made against her. Some loving family that is hoping and praying for a baby will be given their wishes due to this woman's unselfish act. My son is adopted and I thank God every day for his birth mother, even though it was under different circumstances, and some day some thankful parents like myself will thank God for this birth mother who gave him life and had enough strength to give him up,knowing she could not provide for him. She is in my thoughts and prayers.
Posted by: ROXY on Aug 11, 2007 at 10:41 AM
WHY IS EVERYONE BEING THE JUDGE AND JURY? NONE OF YOU KNOW HER SITUATION AT LEAST SHE DID NOT KILL OR HARM THAT LITTLE BABY!SHE LEFT THAT BABY AT GOD'S HOUSE AND IN GOD'S HANDS.
Posted by: thankful on Aug 11, 2007 at 10:37 AM
the mother i dont belive would had let the child get over heated that is why she called 911 so they could get the infant before it was in danger if a child is not safe to be took to gods house than as adults need to stay away from there just thank god in heaven they she stayed close by and got the baby in the right hands now this infant may have a good life one that the mother could not give to him but made sure to see to it that he had a chance better than to kill it or just drop it and leave i aplaude her for that think about the mother to i pray she will not be convicted of the horrible charges that she did not commit she went to gods house for help people it is a sad time when you cant go there Angela I thank u are a brave person you did not take a life u gave it a chance I THANK SHE NEEDS YOUR PRAYS NOT BAD JUDGEMENTS MMEN
Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 11, 2007 at 10:01 AM
The 2 day old baby was left alone. Not at a fire EMS or police station, ALONE! I don't care if she did call 911 after she left the baby it was still alone. If she had left the baby at an appropriate station at least someone would be there with the baby.
Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 11, 2007 at 09:56 AM
A safe house is a fire station ambulance station or a police station. The point of that being there is some one there 24 hours a day 7 days a week. That is not the case at a church Sundays Wednesdays and an occational day thru the week will you find somebody.
Posted by: Dee on Aug 11, 2007 at 09:34 AM
To "a mother" yes it does appear she has anohter child and maybe that is why she is smart enough to give it up but was ashamed that she could not give this child the care it needed. She must have been smart enough to know the love, time , money and all that goes into a child and she couldn't give it to this one so she was trying to give the child what he deserved...love . I THINK WE MOTHERS SHOULD SHOW UP AT THE BOYD COUNTY COURT HOUSE AND GIVE HER OUR SUPPORT , EVEN IF THEY DON'T LET US IN, WE CAN PROTEST OUTSIDE !!!! NO MORE BABIES IN DUMPSTERS !!
Posted by: STEPH on Aug 11, 2007 at 09:09 AM
I AM A MOTHER WHO AT 38 WEEKS PREGNANT GAVE BIRTH TO A STILL BORN CHILD I WAS DEVASTATED, DURING MY NORMAL CHECKUP ON A TUESDAY AFTERNOON THE NURSE DISCOVERS NO HEARTBEAT, PROCEEDS WITH A ULTRASOUND AND WITHIN A MATTER OF MINUTES MY LIFE HAD COMPLETELY CHANGED, THERE WAS A KNOT IN HIS UMBILICAL CORD WHEN I DELIVERED HIM 31 HOURS LATER MY LIFE WAS OVER, GOD DOES THINGS FOR MANY REASONS, BUT HOW CAN YOU GIVE BIRTH TO A BABY, AND THEN JUST WALK AWAY AND LEAVE IT ON THE DOORSTEPS OF A CHURCH, IF ONLY YOU KNEW WHAT IT WAS LIKE TO LOSE A CHILD YOU WOULD HAVE THOUGHT TWICE ABOUT THIS DECISION IT IS VERY HARD TO BE A MOTHER I KNOW, BUT TO GIVE ONE UP IS UNTHINKABLE, THINK ABOUT THIS NEXT TIME YOU DECIDE TO HAVE ANOTHER ONE YOU KNOW THE CONSEQUENCES OF HAVING A CHILD, YOU SEEM TO ALREADY HAVE ONE. WHETHER YOUR CHARGED FOR THIS OR NOT, GOD WILL HAVE THE FINAL DECISION IN THE END.
Posted by: another mother on Aug 11, 2007 at 08:54 AM
This woman does need to be arrested so authorities can determine her state of mind and determine if she is a threat to the child remaining in her custody. The authorities, based on the mother's statements, will determine if charges need to be brought against her. If charges are not brought against her, the public does not need to know the details. Obviously, this woman wanted to do the right thing - give the baby to someone else to raise. She did not kill the baby. Her means of getting the baby to authorities may not be the means that a person in their right mind would have done. She did not turn the baby over to an actual person as the law stipulates. However, who in this state knows every detail of every law. I am well educated with a college degree, and I didn't know about KY's law. It's obvious this woman wasn't trying to stay within the bounds of the law - she was doing what she thought was the moral thing to do - give up a healthy, live baby to a better life.
Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 11, 2007 at 08:23 AM
At nearly 30 years old, this woman certainly knew better than to leave a newborn on the steps of an empty building in unbearable heat. This is no teenager that was scared and confused! When are adults going to be held responsible for their actions?
Posted by: True on Aug 11, 2007 at 05:16 AM
There is a safe infants law, howerver you cannot just drop an infant off anywhere. It has to be at a police station, fire station, or emergency room. The infant also has to be dropped off to someone, not just left by the door. The name of the person dropping off or any other information does not have to be given. The infant also cannot show signs of abuse or neglect and cannot be more than 3 days old.
Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 11, 2007 at 01:05 AM
I agree with alot of these posts...I did think there was a "safe infants Law". If this women is actually charged with this, then alot of our babies are gonna be left in dumpsters again...The women will be afraid to leave them in safe zones. Can WSAZ do an investigation on this law.
Posted by: me!!!!!!!! on Aug 11, 2007 at 12:59 AM
this mother did do what she thought was right, maybe not what we thought was right.. but how many mothers have we heard about giving birth and killing the baby.. from what i know she droped the baby off a a church and call 911 from the closest pay phone.. and i sure there was some deep thought put into this or the baby would not have been droped off at a church. you know that had to be hard for the mom if she didnt love and care for this child even a little it would have been dead. if she gets charged im sure we will hear of alot of dead children, because people will be afraid to take the child anywhere.....
Posted by: a mother on Aug 11, 2007 at 12:27 AM
I do think she was wrong in leaving the babay in the heat but I also agree that al least she did leave the child in a someqhat safe place. If the woman arrested is the the woman in the photos then she already has a child. She evidently knows how to care for a child and should face charges. I understand that many are asking why should she because of the safe infancts act law to be able to leave a newborn in certain places that are deemed safe but she did not do the responsible thing and take the child there. If you have certain areas for this then take the child there not just leave the child anywhere. Now my question is what will happen the the other child?
Posted by: Stephanie on Aug 10, 2007 at 11:13 PM
This is who i considered my BEST friend for years, she use to live with me and i didnt even know she was preg, my concern as well is for her current child,I just dont know what to think and never thought she would do something like this....
Posted by: kristy on Aug 10, 2007 at 10:00 PM
Has anyone thought she was looking to leave the baby in a safe place WITHOUT cameras. She may have thought she could be traced if she left it at a hospital. Obviously, people are ready to judge before they know the whole story. That is probably what she thinks now anyway. She hid then called 911, give her credit for that.
Posted by: Sharon on Aug 10, 2007 at 09:49 PM
If this woman/girl had left the baby at the hosp., fire dept., police station she knows thay would have drilled her on "who, what, why, where, and howcome" so she probably thought she was doing the safest thing by leaving him and calling 911. She was no doubt close by watching to make sure he was ok and would not have let him die. If that was her intention, she could have been like the woman who buried her 4 infants in the back yard or wrapped it up and stuck it in a box in the house. Don't prosecute her, find out what led her to leave him at Gods door. She must have loved him very much. What would Jesus do?
Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 10, 2007 at 08:43 PM
Well I dont think the mother should be charged... She left him where maybe she thought was a safe place, I know it was hot outside but maybe she wasnt thinking straight but at least she didnt kill the little sweetheart. and if they do charge her with something then the next woman that wants to drop her baby off may not do it because she is to afraid of what will happen to her for it and who knows what will happen to the baby then... just my opinion.
Posted by: Jay on Aug 10, 2007 at 07:30 PM
I think the Mother should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law!!! That was pure negligence for her to leave a 2-3 day old baby at an empty church. Especially when the heat index was over 100* If she would have left the baby with police,fire or EMS it would be different. She may have called and reported it but thats no excuse for her to get off! I hope she is punished!!! The baby could have easily died from the so-called Mother's negligence!
Posted by: Dude on Aug 10, 2007 at 05:01 PM
I think she should be charged. It's still breaking the law, whether it was moral or not. The law is here for a reason.
Posted by: Some`One on Aug 10, 2007 at 04:04 PM
Well i think the mom should have droped her baby off were there was ppl at and not at a church were there was no`one at in this hot heat... She should get into a little trouble but we do have to be thankful that she didnt kill it....
Posted by: huntington resident on Aug 10, 2007 at 03:30 PM
ok lets see here... she left the baby who was properly clothed ...at a church not in a dumpster or toilet or in the woods where the infant could be found ... she further called 911 to inform someone she had left the child ... i understand the temperatures has been in the 100s lately but she did make a call... she for what ever reason left the child and did the right next thing ...i also understand no one was at the church but this lady did place a call ...she didnt just drop this child off and do nothing... i hope this lady isnt arrested she is going threw enough pain just leaving a child ... its so nice to see many of you who wish to be judge and jury... no one knows what this gal is going threw or what reasons brought her to leave her child... i pray she is ok and gets medical help if she needs it ....dont judge people unless you have walked in their shoes ....lets just be thankful this child is being cared for .
Posted by: Mom on Aug 10, 2007 at 03:20 PM
Linda, you are right...I don't think there should be criminal charges against her either. I believe that could send the wrong message to other mothers in her position. I wondered about the "safe haven' laws, too...
Posted by: Tilah Fleming on Aug 10, 2007 at 03:12 PM
I believe the mother was very brave in what she did. At least she didn't kill the child or toss it in the river or have it in a drug house, ect.
Posted by: Other options on Aug 10, 2007 at 02:58 PM
I think the mom was young maybe scared and had nobody else to turn to. But that son't give her that right to just leave her own flesh and blood out there like that. I had may shildren at a young age but I prayed alot and God has helped throgh alot of tough roads. The baby will never know who his father is grandpapents aunts and uncles are were there no family members or friends to help. The only way I would give my child up is if I was termily ill and could not take care of it myself and then I woukd seek someone in the cild adoptions agencey to make sure that my child was well took care of. There should be a Save Haven place there in Simitt in Boyd County. There are other options that the momm had beside leaving the infant out in 100 degree weather.
Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 10, 2007 at 02:58 PM
If the mother had aborted the baby the law would not have done anything to her. She at least gave the baby life and will make a childless couple very happy . To be punished for that ....please go after the criminals and leave a hurting mother alone, you know it was not an easy choice for her, but in her heart she knew what was best for the child .
Posted by: Jenna on Aug 10, 2007 at 02:42 PM
She's facing charges because she left him in 100 degree weather that could have potentially keilled him, Maybe she didn't realize this, but people are being advised to bring dogs in. This baby deserved the same consideration. The " Safe Harbour" law is wonderful, but the keyword is SAFE. The steps on a church on a 100 degree day is not "safe" If the birth mother has a mental problem then that's one thing, but if she was a "child" old enough to get herself in that condition she should have been old enough to know you don't abandon a newborn outside on the hottest day of the year then it would be to leave it in sub-zero weather. a no-brainer.
Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 10, 2007 at 01:18 PM
YOU ALL ARE NOT GETTING THE POINT!!!!! THE POINT IS IT WAS 100 DEGREES OUTSIDE!!! THAT LITTLE BOY COULD HAVE DIED!! Thankfully he didn't. Safe places are were people are. Not a empty church. Take him to the police station or to the hospital. Some place where people know how to handle it. Everyone talks about what a good mom. Well how can you call someone a good mom for leaving her son in 100 degree weather. If she didn't want him or whatever the problem was then she needed to think about that before you bring a child in this world. She deserves to be punished. And stop saying leave her alone. She could have killed this child and all everyone can say is at least she didn't put him in a trash can well there are doctors offices, several other places she could have left him.
Posted by: Lori on Aug 10, 2007 at 12:58 PM
I am very upset about this whole story. I believe the mother did the right thing, the baby is alive and well. The mother did not leave the baby in the scorching sun to die. She put him under a porch to protect him until someone came. She called the police right away knowing they would send someone asap. I think any actions against this mother, will only bring more murders to our area of unwanted babies. The Bible says do not judge others. I know that everything happens for a reason and it is in GODS hands. Let GOD be the judge.
Posted by: Tammy on Aug 10, 2007 at 12:55 PM
If it was the mother who called 911, she was obviously watching the baby to ensure it was okay and got picked up quickly. So why should she face charges of any kind? She probably thought the church was a safe haven for orphans and unwanted children, because throughout history, it has been. Leave her alone, and let a good family adopt the baby. All that prosecuting her will accomplish is to scare other mothers who cannot care for their babies into ditching them in dumpsters, rather than dropping them off where they will be found and cared for.
Posted by: shana on Aug 10, 2007 at 12:54 PM
This law clearly states which locations are considered "safe", an empty church is not. she could have just as easily taken the baby to a fire dept, hospital.. just about anywhere where people are would be better than an empty churches steps out in the sun.. if she was the one calling 911 then she could have put the little guy somewhere in the shade..
Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 10, 2007 at 12:53 PM
how could this woman leave a baby on the steps and it so hot ? but at least she dident put it the trash can or somewhere that it dident have a chance to survive . hopefully someone will adopt this little angel and take good care of him. i think the mother should be able to see it at least once a month even tho she done wrong , it has to be so hard not getting to see your children , i could only imagine what it would be like , but first most the case needs to be fully investigated before she is allowed to see the child.
Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 10, 2007 at 12:24 PM
Its called the Safe Haven Law.
Posted by: Don't Judge! on Aug 10, 2007 at 11:49 AM
"Safe Surrender" laws are in effect in many states. Does Kentucky not have one? These laws are in effect to help distraught parents anonymously relinquish their babies without risk of prosecution. The parent(s) can surrender the infant to custody of an emergency medical provider, police officer, firefighter, or other designated location. I think personally she did what she felt she had to do. Maybe it was in fact her who called the police. Don't judge other people! You do not know her circumstances.
Posted by: Jeanna on Aug 10, 2007 at 11:47 AM
No this women should not face charges!!!!! I mean we have these save houses for cases just like this!!!!! So the baby will be safe. If charges are filed and she gets in trouble how many other women are going to choose a different route, like killing the baby? Because there going to be scared to get in trouble! She should never get the baby back but, No Charges should be filed. She probably did the best thing for that baby and thats why she left the baby there. She knew that she couldnt care for it.
Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 10, 2007 at 11:23 AM
This woman could have taken the baby to a hospital and left it without any legal repurcussions. Why didn't she do that instead of dropping him at a church in the 100 degree weather. She should be charged.
Posted by: Anon. on Aug 10, 2007 at 11:11 AM
Actually, Kentucky does have the Safe Infants Act. Within this, biological parents can anonymously leave newborn infants (less than 72 hours old) at any emergency medical services provider, hospital, police station, or fire station. This helps prevent them (the parents) from being criminally prosecuted for abandonment. Most hospitals or police stations are aware of this and can inform parents of this by a simple telephone call to them.
Posted by: Linda on Aug 10, 2007 at 10:52 AM
Why would the mother face criminal charges? I think we should be thankful that she left the baby on the church steps and didn't leave him in a garbage bag or in a dumpster!
Posted by: Mom on Aug 10, 2007 at 10:47 AM
I agree with everything being said here about the mother of this child...it wasn't smart to leave a newborn in 100 degree heat and yes, it probably was the mother that made the call...one thing though, we don't even know how old this mother is(she could be a child herself) or what her mental capacity is...just a thought
Posted by: Pam on Aug 10, 2007 at 10:08 AM
I think this girl was very brave and I hope she isn't punished besause it will send a BAD message to other Women /Girls that might be in the same circunstances.
Posted by: Michelle on Aug 10, 2007 at 10:08 AM
Does anyone know if Kentucky has Safe Haven laws? Some states have them and you can annonymously drop off a child at a fire station, church, or police station??? I feel like this is a good law..but its been God awful hot outside!! I really do belive though that this mom was just trying to give her child a chance to have a better life than she could give her.
Posted by: Anne on Aug 10, 2007 at 09:48 AM
I am glad that the baby is OK. However, I think that by abandoning this child, his mother has severed her rights to him and should not, under any circumstances, get him back. EVER!
Posted by: judy on Aug 10, 2007 at 09:25 AM
yes put the mother in jail....if only she had aborted this beautiful baby just days before the birth ...she would have been perfectly legal....this MOTHER didnt kill her baby...she wanted the child to have a good life...i believe she was the one to call 911...i believe she watched over the baby to make sure it was safe and when she saw that no one was going to find the baby soon she made the call....leave her alone...God bless the baby and the mother who cared enough to give birth
Posted by: Mike on Aug 10, 2007 at 08:56 AM
Are you kiding me everyone acts like this women didnt do anything wrong.. she left a baby on the step in 100 degrees this baby could have easily died from the heat there are so many other options she needs to be charged...
Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 10, 2007 at 08:44 AM
Leave he ralone .. Thats what the law is enacted for..She wasnt able to take care of the child..She called 911 and left it at a Church..This is what scares people to do the same and the result is children left in abaned homes to die.. The childs safe ...trying to find the woman is so ridicoulous..That defeats the whole purpose..If she wantedto be found and for people to know it was her child she would of alerted someone...
Posted by: Barbie on Aug 10, 2007 at 08:37 AM
Leave this woman alone. She probably did all she knew to do at the time. At least she didn't harm or kill the baby. Maybe another family can adopt this heathly, unharmed baby. Maybe she thought God would keep her baby safe.
Posted by: jo on Aug 10, 2007 at 08:36 AM
Why would you prosecute this Mother? What kind of message are you sending to other would be drop offs? This baby is safe and being well cared for. Would you rather find the new borns in garbage bags? These scared, young people need a safe way to do this. If there is not a safe way established, do something good with our tax dollars, create a safe way to drop off the new borns...don't encourage these young moms to kill their babies by prosecuting this young mother. It is by no means morally right and I am not condoning her actions, but this way is the lesser of two evils. Can you imagine the heartbreak she must feel, as a mother who evidently is unable to care for her young child? Times are hard, and people need help these days. Do something positive.
Posted by: Nancy on Aug 10, 2007 at 08:08 AM
I think that they are looking at charges because she left him outside in the heat. It would have been one thing if she would have left him inside where it would have been cool, but what if someone didn't come as soon as they did. As hot as it has been, it wouldn't have taken long for that baby to die if someone didn't find him soon. As far as the law, I think in order not to be charge you have to leave the child somewhere they can be taken care of, for example a hospital. Everyone's right, its a good thing that she didn't leave him in a trash can or dumpster, but in some ways leaving him in that heat was just as bad. Since the mother did do this it was obvious that she didn't want him so at least the baby will find a home of someone who will love him and protect him.
Posted by: RAINBOW on Aug 10, 2007 at 06:40 AM
Well let's give this Mother credit for calling police to let them know where the baby was , I think this Mother knew what she was doing, Let us all be Thankful that the baby is doing good.
Posted by: Concerned on Aug 10, 2007 at 06:26 AM
Some women give birth who will never be a mother! Apparently this woman realized she could not be a MOM for some reason. She has already been a good mother for giving up her baby, unlike the mother of the baby girl found in a drug bust in Huntington a few weeks ago. That Mother was trying to pretend to being right and nearly got her baby killed. Why charge this woman for having compassion for her child and the guts to admit to herself SHE CAN NOT BE A MOM!!!!
Posted by: Diana (what a little angle) on Aug 10, 2007 at 02:07 AM
what a little angle!the woman must had thougt about the baby she had him for two days thin dopped him at the church.And wen I think of a church I think of God and maybe she thougt that would be a save place for him.I hope a family will adopt the little angle and love him!and for the woman I hope it all workes out for her she must be in a bad way to have did this little angle this way.he will be fine now.
Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 10, 2007 at 01:54 AM
She shouldn't have left him somewhere alone. You can anonymously leave a baby at a hospital (maybe at the police station), no questions asked. Leaving the child in front of a church is neglect and child endangerment. I think she should be charged, because there are other legal options.
Posted by: MIXED EMOTIONS on Aug 10, 2007 at 01:27 AM
Should we feel angry or releived? Angry that she would leave her baby in 100 temp. or releived that she didn't bury him alive or put him in a dumpster? I know the emptiness of wanting a child so bad that it hurts. So yes I am mad at her for leaving that baby in the heat on the same hand I am glad that she didn't kill him. We live in a sick world. If you are old enough to have sex you are old enough to live up to the consequences of having a baby. None of us know her situation I just pray it was a matter of life and death so she actually had a reason for this. Yes she should be punished. The law that was passed is "Drop the baby off to an individual" Not on a door step. We live in a sick world. GOD HELP
Posted by: question on Aug 10, 2007 at 12:42 AM
many hospitals have online pictures of babies born recently... did anyone think to check these sites for pics of the little one... Secondly.. I have three boys ages 5, 3, and almost 2. I would gladly take this little gift in and raise him as my own. I teach kindergarten and see everyday how people who don't have the means to provide for their kids cope with them. I would give anything to take this little guy in and love him forever.
Posted by: lisa on Aug 10, 2007 at 12:05 AM
i think the mother did the right thing, because she chose t take the baby bot to a church then call the police where some one could find him and give him a better life than she could, she could have just dumped him somewhere and let him die but she didn't and i think that took a lot of guts on her part, i feel sorry for the mother because you know she hag to have cared for the child or she wouldn't have taken it to the church she would have just let it died she doesn't deserve to be prosicuted she needs counceling and therapy i say go bless you to the mother for atleast caring enough to give the baby a chance.
Posted by: Michele on Aug 10, 2007 at 12:02 AM
all state need a law that says you can drop your newborn baby off at a safe place (hospital, firehouse) and not be charge. Some new mother can not handle a new baby and they need a place to go to. maybe we should try to get one going in these state here
Posted by: Bre on Aug 9, 2007 at 10:57 PM
i would like to know why women are told if they do not want their child or cannot take care of them to drop them off at safe places then now trying to bring charges against them. it doesn't make sense. at least she didn't harm the baby. i think that's rediculous. it's not right to say one thing then turn around and punish them for doing it. maybe the police needs to go after real criminals and quit wasting time and money when someone is trying to do the right thing. sure she should have taken the baby inside, but hey at least he is okay and that should be the only concern. i agree with previous posts at least she didn't put it in a trash can or murder him.
Posted by: Rebecca on Aug 9, 2007 at 10:11 PM
I am glad the mother did not put the baby in a trash can, but she should have taken the baby inside where he would be safe. I would be willing to adopt this baby or even foster him. I can't have any more and would take it as a blessing from GOD. He would be loved dearly.
Posted by: Becky on Aug 9, 2007 at 10:04 PM
I think she did the right thing, i wish would have dropped it off on my steps I would love to have it. At least she did not have an abortin........
Posted by: Amy on Aug 9, 2007 at 09:48 PM
I agree with almost everyone else. Why are they thinking of bringing charges against this woman? At least she did not hurt the child. This story has a much better outcome than most of the stories we hear on the news concerning children. Obviously, this woman was not equipped to take care of this child. She did the right thing by letting the baby go.
Posted by: concerned on Aug 9, 2007 at 07:04 PM
Why should she face charges? Atleast she dropped the baby at a church and probably called 911 herself instead of dumping it in a trash can or something like some women do. That is part of the problem of mothers killing and dumping their babies, they get charged for giving up their baby... i'm not saying ditching your baby is right, however it is better than killing it.
Posted by: Michelle on Aug 9, 2007 at 06:13 PM
Why do the police even want to know who dropped the baby off? Just be glad that it is alive and well and not in some dumpster.
Posted by: christie on Aug 9, 2007 at 06:11 PM
i do not agree with what was done to this baby but could this be a young teenager scared and thought the church was a safe place to leave baby and who is the women what does she have to do with the case
Posted by: K Varney on Aug 9, 2007 at 05:37 PM
I don't know this poor girls situation. I don't know the circumstances behind her doing what she did. But, she could have put that baby in a dumpster like so many other desperate new moms do. I vote we get her the help she needs. That's what this is a cry for help.
Posted by: sherri on Aug 9, 2007 at 05:03 PM
At least this mother left the baby at a church and called to let authorities know. It's better than leaving it in a garbage bin. I'm sure there are lots of people that would love to adopt this infant. Good move on the mother.
Posted by: samantha on Aug 9, 2007 at 04:50 PM
why would the police want to arrest this mother...she did the right thing she left it on the steps of a church and called the police... it could be worse, how many scared young mothers leave them in trash bags in the dumpster.....
Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 9, 2007 at 04:42 PM
This babys mother, was probably doing what she thought was best for the child. What about the people who just throw newborn babies in trash cans and leave them to die. This poor girl actually left th child somewhere she thought it would be safe and then called 911 to let the authorities know it was there.
Posted by: wondering on Aug 9, 2007 at 04:08 PM
I thought that they passed a law to allow people to bring babies to churches, police stations, or fire stations without identifying themselves in order to protect the children from parents that didn't want them or that could not keep them. I also thought that the people could remain annonymous if they did so. Putting these people all over the news will scare off someone from bringing in a child whose life could be saved by being taken in. Am I wrong?
Posted by: ??? on Aug 9, 2007 at 03:16 PM
Does Kentucky not have the law where a parent can drop an infant off at a safe place to keep the child from being abused or not raised correctly. I for one respect this mother knowing she couldn't raise this child yet she did not have an abortion or abuse this baby. She gave this beautiful baby girl the chance for life. God will bless this woman.
Posted by: Jess on Aug 9, 2007 at 01:46 PM
I can't believe someone would do such a thing.. I would love to have a little one... I'd take him is a heart beat. May god bless this little guy and the family who gets him. My prayers are with you little man..
Posted by: Kim on Aug 9, 2007 at 01:34 PM
Why don't your state have the law if a parent can not take care of a infant they can drop the child off at the fire dept and the parent will not be charged with a crime ?? it is better to see that a family can take care of the child then to have a oarent overwhelmed and do some thing stupid like murder...
Posted by: an angry mom on Aug 9, 2007 at 01:30 PM
i beleive the mother did the right thing she could have left him in a trash can! and if a church isnt a safe place where is?! i beleived the mother called 911 and was near by to ensure the child's safety if she cared enough to try to better the infant life instead of deposing of it like trash she should NOT ne prosecuted! as a mother i feel for the woman i know how it feels to want the best for your child AND YOU'LL DO THAT BY ANY MEANS NECCESARY!!!
Posted by: lm on Aug 9, 2007 at 01:28 PM
Why would the mother face charges? Wasn't it better that she left the baby at the church, or murder it like most people do when they have babies and don't want. Maybe she couldn't take care of the baby and would rather someone take him and provide him with a good home.
Posted by: why? on Aug 9, 2007 at 01:27 PM
i hope they fimd the mother of that baby. if someone is going to leave their baby somewhere why don't they take it to a hospital? i mean you won't get in trouble. and if you leave the baby somewhere else you go to jail. i don't know why people can be so mean and stupid!!!!
Posted by: Jamie on Aug 9, 2007 at 01:09 PM
I think the mother did the right thing. I dont see why she should face criminal charges. She could have killed the baby or something, like we hear of so often. She simply took him to a church and then I beleive she called 911 because she knew someone would get there quick. I don't think she should face criminal charges at all.
Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 9, 2007 at 12:58 PM
I always thought you could drop a baby off at a church, fire station or with police. Im not saying that this is right, but at least thats better then something else happening with this beautiful baby. I would rather see it put in foster care or with a good family then see it live a horrible life and grow up to be a drug dealer or murder someone. This may be a blessing from GOD that this child is in a safer place.!
Posted by: Sara on Aug 9, 2007 at 12:37 PM
How could you just leave a baby? If the mother didn't want him in the first place, why take him when you left the hospital. She could have put him up for an adoptation. The good thing is that someone found him and that he's doing okay. I hope that they do find the mother and that she is charge.
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