Public's help sought in identifying baby 'Angel' found floating in Mississippi

Drew Evans
Drew Evans with the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension said Sept. 13, 2001, that investigators believe a dead baby found floating in the Mississippi River on Sept. 5 was in the river for less than a day.
Photo courtesy Minnesota Department of Public Safety

Investigators are asking for the public's help identifying the mother of an infant girl found dead on Sept. 5 in the Mississippi River.

Officials with the Winona County Sheriff's Department named the baby girl, "Angel."

"We believe the mother gave unassisted and unattended birth in this case, and its imperative that we identify her quickly so that we can make sure she receives and medical or mental health services that she may need," said Drew Evans, a senior special agent with the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension. He believes the infant was in the river for less than a day before she was found.

"We're asking today that people look at these items and if they recognize any of these items, or somebody who was pregnant, or they suspected to be pregnant and there is no baby around, at this time, that they please contact the Winona County Sheriff's tipline," he said.

The baby was wrapped in a green shirt and placed inside two garbage bags and a canvas bag. The canvas bag was embroidered with the name of a resort town on Mexico's Pacific Coast, Manzanillo. Several angel figurines and a bracelet were found inside the garbage bags, along with the baby.

Evans says it's too early in the investigation to speculate on criminal charges. The baby's autopsy is still under review at the Dakota County Medical Examiner's office in Hastings.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Winona County Sheriff's Department tipline at (507) 457-6530.

Create a More Connected Minnesota

MPR News is your trusted resource for the news you need. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to everyone - free of paywalls and barriers. Your gift makes a difference.