Woman ‘Double Bagged’ a Baby Before Abandoning Him in a Motel Dumpster, Say Police. Then, a Stranger Heard the Newborn’s Cries

A woman has been arrested after allegedly “double bagging” a baby before abandoning him in a motel dumpster in Columbus, Georgia, as reported by the police. The abandoned newborn was discovered after a witness heard his cries emanating from the dumpster at the Budgetel Inn & Suites Columbus on September 2nd. The lead investigator on the case revealed that the baby had been left in the dumpster for approximately five and a half to six hours.

Zinnia Hernandez, the baby’s mother, was subsequently arrested and confessed to authorities that she had left the infant in the dumpster. According to courtroom footage captured by ABC affiliate WTVM, Hernandez admitted to her actions when questioned by investigators. She disclosed that she had given birth to the baby, a boy, in the motel room’s bathtub on the same day. Shockingly, she mentioned to investigators that no one was aware of her pregnancy prior to the incident.

Sgt. B Waldie, who headed the investigation, stated that after delivering the baby, Hernandez placed him, along with the placenta and umbilical cord, in a white and blue trash bag. She then secured this bag inside another white and blue bag, double bagging the child before disposing of him in the dumpster. The infant was rescued and taken to a local hospital, Piedmont Columbus Regional, where he was reported to be in stable condition but requiring extra oxygen.

Following the incident, Hernandez was charged with criminal attempt murder, child abandonment, cruelty to a child in the first degree, and reckless conduct by the Columbus Georgia Police Department. The authorities also reminded the public about Georgia’s Safe Haven Law, which permits a mother to leave her newborn, up to 30 days old, at specific locations such as hospitals, fire stations, or police stations without facing criminal charges, as long as the baby is left with staff. This law aims to protect the well-being of newborns.

The investigation into this distressing incident is ongoing, with authorities urging anyone suspecting child abuse to report it to the relevant authorities or call the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline. The hotline operates 24/7 in over 170 languages, providing toll-free and confidential support. The community has been urged to remain vigilant and protect the most vulnerable members of society.

Such cases highlight the importance of awareness around child abandonment and the resources available to prevent such tragedies. The Safe Haven Law serves as a crucial safety net for infants who may otherwise be subject to harm or neglect. The swift action of the witness who heard the baby’s cries and alerted the authorities undoubtedly played a vital role in ensuring the infant’s safety and well-being.

As investigations continue into this harrowing incident, it serves as a stark reminder of the complexities and challenges faced in safeguarding children. The impact of such events reverberates through communities and underscores the necessity for ongoing vigilance and support mechanisms to protect those who cannot protect themselves. The resilience and swift response of law enforcement and healthcare professionals in this case demonstrate the unwavering commitment to ensuring the welfare of the most vulnerable individuals among us.