Woman accused of leaving dead newborn in New Bedford park pleads guilty

NEW BEDFORD Mass. (WLNE) — A 22-year-old woman who was arrested in July for improperly disposing of a body pleaded guilty in court Tuesday.

Daniela Michell Escobar-Mejia was charged with improper disposal of a body in July.

Escobar-Meija’s baby was found at Fort Taber Park on December 9, 2023.

Police said DNA analysis and surveillance footage led detectives to Escobar-Mejia.

Officials said that due to the infant’s decomposed state, it could not be determined whether the baby was alive before the alleged spill and the cause of death could not be determined.

Escobar-Meija pleaded guilty and was sentenced to two years of probation.

She was also ordered to take parenting classes and receive counseling.