Teen investigated after fetus found buried in front yard
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LACEY, Wash. -- Thurston County sheriff's deputies are investigating the discovery of a dead fetus buried in the front yard of a Lacey home.
A nurse at a Lacey area high school called detectives after hearing from a 16-year-old student that she a miscarriage in June, and that birth to a stillborn baby.
"They were just discussing medical history in general, and that's where she made this disclosure about a miscarriage," said Lt. Greg Elwin.
The girl said she and her 16-year-old boyfriend then buried the fetus in front of the girl's home in the 7500 block of 12th Avenue NE. Both teens had hid the pregnancy and birth from their families.
Deputies and a corner went to the home to recover the remains, which were found in a shoebox and was skeletonized. Deputies estimated the fetus was about 26 to 30 weeks in term.
The girl was interviewed then released to her parents. Investigators are awaiting a report from the coroner on the cause of death.
"Our first concern right off the bat is: was this child born alive and then ended up buried?" said Elwin.
Thurston County coroner Gary Warnock said even if the baby suffered a natural death, it is illegal to dispose of remains in such manner; paperwork has to be filled out and legal procedure followed.
"There was one mistake after another here that led to this child being buried in the front yard, and that's where we are at right now," said Elwin.
A King County pathologist was likely to be asked to assist in the investigation to determine “whether or not the child was alive at birth or deceased at birth,” Elwin said.
If the pathologist concludes the baby was alive at the time of burial, the two teen could face manslaughter charges. If findings indicate the baby was stillborn, the teens could face misdemeanor charges for improper burial.
A nurse at a Lacey area high school called detectives after hearing from a 16-year-old student that she a miscarriage in June, and that birth to a stillborn baby.
"They were just discussing medical history in general, and that's where she made this disclosure about a miscarriage," said Lt. Greg Elwin.
The girl said she and her 16-year-old boyfriend then buried the fetus in front of the girl's home in the 7500 block of 12th Avenue NE. Both teens had hid the pregnancy and birth from their families.
Deputies and a corner went to the home to recover the remains, which were found in a shoebox and was skeletonized. Deputies estimated the fetus was about 26 to 30 weeks in term.
The girl was interviewed then released to her parents. Investigators are awaiting a report from the coroner on the cause of death.
"Our first concern right off the bat is: was this child born alive and then ended up buried?" said Elwin.
Thurston County coroner Gary Warnock said even if the baby suffered a natural death, it is illegal to dispose of remains in such manner; paperwork has to be filled out and legal procedure followed.
"There was one mistake after another here that led to this child being buried in the front yard, and that's where we are at right now," said Elwin.
A King County pathologist was likely to be asked to assist in the investigation to determine “whether or not the child was alive at birth or deceased at birth,” Elwin said.
If the pathologist concludes the baby was alive at the time of burial, the two teen could face manslaughter charges. If findings indicate the baby was stillborn, the teens could face misdemeanor charges for improper burial.
