• Tweet
• Share
• Email
• Print

Las Vegas, NV (KTNV) -- Neighbors were horrified to learn that a baby was found dead in a dumpster at the Rancho Mesa Apartments on North Rancho Drive near Decatur Boulevard Wednesday morning. 

"Just to throw a baby away, that's not even human," said Joel Acosta.

"I just can't believe someone could be that cold-hearted," adds Joshua Staggs. "How can you do that to an innocent child? It's pathetic."

"I have a five-month-old daughter," says Tina Glenn. "I can't even imagine. I think it's the saddest thing in the world."

A maintenance worker found the infant at about 8 a.m. He notified property management, who quickly called police.

Homicide detectives spent the day scouring the area for clues, but have no suspects in custody.

They believe the baby was dropped off within 24 hours of being found. They are treating the case as a homicide and say whoever is responsible could face murder charges.

"We are not going to leave any stone unturned until we find out what happened here," says Lt. Ray Steiber.

Police are also still trying to determine the identity of the baby. The only thing investigators can confirm is that the infant is not a newborn. They believe the baby is between three and six months old.

While the Safe Haven Law only applies to newborns, Las Vegas Metropolitan Police wants to remind the public that there are a variety of organizations and charities in our community that are willing to help with endangered or unwanted children. 

LVMPD is also asking anyone with any information to contact the Homicide Section at (702) 828-3521 or Crime Stoppers at (702) 385-5555.