Perry, Iowa — A 20-year-old woman has been arrested and charged with first-degree murder after a newborn infant was found dead inside a trash container at a child care facility in Perry, Iowa, police said.
Stephanie Ubaldo was arrested Thursday, Sept. 17, in connection with the death of the infant. She remains in custody at the Dallas County Jail, according to the Perry Police Department.
The investigation began Tuesday afternoon after emergency medical personnel were called to Acorns & Oaks Child Care following a report that a woman was experiencing vaginal bleeding.
Police Called After Woman Reportedly Experiences Bleeding
Dallas County Emergency Medical Services were alerted at about 5 p.m. local time on Tuesday, Sept. 15, after a woman at the child care facility was reportedly experiencing vaginal bleeding.
The woman was transported to a nearby hospital for medical treatment.
About an hour later, at approximately 6:22 p.m., officers were notified that a premature infant might be inside a trash container at the daycare.
Police arrived and, roughly 10 minutes later, located a deceased infant inside a trash bag.
According to court records, officers found “a fully developed baby girl with the umbilical cord.” The infant also had evidence of head injuries, according to the report.
Investigators Say Baby Was Delivered at Daycare
According to the criminal complaint, Ubaldo told investigators that she gave birth to the baby inside a bathroom at the child care facility.
Investigators said the bleeding caused by the delivery prevented her from returning to work, despite an alleged intention to do so. The criminal complaint also alleges that Ubaldo intentionally injured the baby’s face in an effort to stop the baby from crying.
Police are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the infant’s death and the events that occurred inside the facility. The case has resulted in a first-degree murder charge, but the allegations remain part of an ongoing criminal proceeding.
Police Clarify Infant Was Not a Daycare Client
The Perry Police Department specifically addressed the relationship between the infant and Acorns & Oaks Child Care following the discovery.
In its Sept. 15 statement, the department said the infant was not under the care of the facility and was not a client of Acorns & Oaks Child Care.
The facility became part of the investigation because the reported delivery and discovery of the infant occurred there. Authorities have asked anyone who may have information relevant to the case to contact the Perry Police Department.
Iowa Police Highlight Safe Haven Law
Following the arrest, police also used the case to remind the public about Iowa’s Safe Haven law, which provides a legal option for parents or authorized individuals to surrender an infant safely under certain circumstances.
The Perry Police Department said:
“Iowa’s Safe Haven law allows parents or authorized individuals to safely surrender an infant up to 90 days old at designated locations without the fear of prosecution of abandonment,”
The department said designated locations include hospitals, health care facilities, fire stations staffed by paid or volunteer firefighters, adoption service providers and newborn safety devices such as Safe Haven Baby Boxes.
Veteran Florida School Bookkeeper Accused of Stealing Nearly $5,000 in Public Funds, Records Show
The law is intended to provide a safe alternative for parents or authorized individuals who may be unable or unwilling to care for a newborn.
Authorities Continue to Investigate
Ubaldo remains in custody while the criminal case moves forward. The murder allegations described in the criminal complaint have not been adjudicated in court.
The investigation is ongoing, and police have asked anyone with relevant information to come forward.
Anyone who suspects child abuse can contact the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-422-4453. The service is described as free and confidential and is available around the clock in more than 170 languages.
What are your thoughts on the case and the importance of making Safe Haven resources known to families in crisis? Share your thoughts in the comments.
