The Maryville, Missouri community was shocked at the discovery of a newborn’s body at Mozingo Lake Recreation Park. An employee performing routine maintenance found the dead infant on Saturday morning, May 25, 2024. Authorities are now appealing to the public for information as the investigation continues.
According to Maryville Public Safety Interim Police Chief Mike Stolte, the baby appeared to be between six and twelve hours old when found. “It is a very disturbing discovery,” Stolte remarked. “We’re holding a debriefing this afternoon with responders and others involved, including the employee who discovered the infant.”
The discovery was made around 11 a.m. in a remote park area. Responding officers immediately secured the scene, and they are now focused on finding the mother. Chief Stolte emphasized this importance, saying, “We have no details about the mother or her medical condition, whether she’s in distress or not. Our primary focus right now is to establish contact with her.”
The infant’s remains have been transported to Kansas City, Kansas for a thorough autopsy. The results, which could take up to twelve weeks, are expected to provide crucial insights into the cause of death. In the meantime, DNA samples will be preserved for further investigation. “It’s difficult to comprehend what truly happened from what we’ve seen. However, we don’t know the full circumstances yet. We don’t know if this was done under duress or voluntarily,” Chief Stolte added.
The police have chosen to withhold certain details of the case, such as the sex of the baby and the exact location within the park where it was found. This strategy aims to ensure that any potential leads or confessions can be corroborated with information not yet released.
As the investigation progresses, investigators also are reaching out to medical facilities and local health services to gather any information that might lead them to the mother. They are concerned for her well-being and are keen to provide her with any necessary medical and psychological support.
The discovery of the newborn has prompted local organizations to stress the importance of safe haven laws. These laws allow parents to safely surrender their newborns at designated locations, such as hospitals and fire stations, without facing legal repercussions. The goal is to prevent such incidents and ensure the child’s and parents’ safety and well-being.
Maryville Mozingo Lake Recreation Park, located approximately 90 minutes north of downtown Kansas City, has been a popular spot for locals and visitors alike. The park spans 3,000 acres and features a 1,006-acre lake with 26 miles of shoreline. It offers a variety of recreational activities, including boating, fishing, hiking, and hunting. The park also boasts award-winning 18-hole and 9-hole golf courses, rustic cabins, RV and tent camping sites, equestrian trails, a public beach, and an event center.