Last month, an incident involving a deceased infant placed in an Idaho Safe Haven Baby Box led to the arrest of 18-year-old Angel Newberry of Twin Falls. Safe Haven Baby Boxes are intended to provide custodial parents a safe and anonymous way to surrender unharmed newborns under 30 days old, without legal repercussions.
However, this case involved the placement of a harmed infant, which does not fall under the protections provided by Idaho law or the Safe Haven program. Authorities in Blackfoot arrested Newberry on a felony charge of failing to report a death to law enforcement and the coroner.
The infant was discovered by medical personnel at Grove Creek Medical in Blackfoot when a silent alarm from the Safe Haven Baby Box alerted staff. The team responded immediately and found the infant within a minute. Tragically, the baby had already passed away long before being placed in the box.
According to Safe Haven Baby Boxes, the baby was wrapped in a blanket with the placenta still attached. This finding highlighted that the infant was not surrendered safely or within the legal parameters of the program.
Idaho Safe Haven Baby Box Misused in Tragic Case Involving Deceased Infant and Teen’s Arrest
Blackfoot Police emphasized that while the Safe Haven Baby Box system is designed to protect both infants and parents in cases of legal surrender, this situation involved “an illegal, deadly abandonment.” The protections of anonymity only apply when a newborn is surrendered unharmed. The discovery of the deceased infant prompted a six-week investigation before Newberry’s arrest.
Angel Newberry was booked into Bingham County Jail on charges of failing to report a death, a felony under Idaho law. Law enforcement authorities have not yet provided further details about her alleged role in the case or the circumstances leading to the infant’s death. Blackfoot Police continue to investigate, underscoring the seriousness of improper use of the Safe Haven system.
This incident also raises awareness about the importance of understanding Safe Haven laws, which exist to protect vulnerable infants and provide options for custodial parents in crisis. However, the improper use of these systems can have devastating consequences, as highlighted in this tragic case. Safe Haven Baby Boxes and local authorities have called for more public education to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
