Police investigating after dead baby found in woods

NEAR NORTH BEND, Wash. — A man made a disturbing discovery near Snoqualmie Wednesday afternoon.  He was walking along Southeast North Bend Way and spotted a dead baby.

Investigators say the body of a newborn baby was found in the woods, about 10 feet from the road.

Detectives from King County's Major Crimes Division are trying to track down the mother. They are concerned about her health -- the baby still had the umbilical cord attached.

In nearby North Bend people were sad about the baby.

"It's pretty sad for a baby that was just born and tossed away like nothing," said Javier Flores.

Resident Ashley Walton knew detectives were investigating that afternoon, but didn't find out why until later.

"I was so heartbroken. I have a 4-year-old little boy myself and I’m five months pregnant with another one. It's just really sad to hear, " said Walton.

The Washington State Safety of Newborn Children Law allows a parent of a newborn to drop off the infant with a qualified person at a fire station or a hospital, anonymously, with no risk of prosecution.

Snoqualmie Valley Hospital is less than half a mile from where the baby's body was found.

"I hope there's more education for people to understand the possibilities they have -- you know, in the future," said Robert Hawkins, Wednesday night.

Investigators would like the mother to come forward so they can talk with her. At this point, they're unsure if the baby was born alive or was stillborn.

It will be up to the medical examiner to determine when and how the infant died. That will give investigators a better time frame to start looking for witnesses.

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