Unsolved case of baby girl’s death re-opened

Marlboro County sheriff’s deputies are taking a second look at the unsolved case of a newborn girl found dead in a trash transfer station six years ago Wednesday.

The infant was found June 17, 2003, at the Marlboro County Trash Transfer Station in Bennettsville.

An autopsy was performed at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, but pathologists were unable to determine a cause of death.

The child is described as having dark hair and light brown skin.

A forensic sketch artist from the State Law Enforcement created a drawing of the child in an effort to help deputies gather information about the case.

Even though the child died six years ago, investigators said they hope re-opening the case will spark interest in it again.

Deputies said the investigation will continue until the mother of the child is identified and her child is given a name.

Investigators on the case said they believe the mother was under a lot of stress and her judgement may have been clouded at the time of the birth.

The mother did what she thought was right and may now understand the mistake she made, according to a sheriff’s office press release.

Because the case has been reopened, the mother of the child may begin to feel stress and guilt over the situation, and perhaps people around her will recognize some of these signs, the release said.

Deputies also believe someone close to the child’s mother may know what really happened but are too afraid to come forward.

Anyone with information about this case is asked to call the sheriff’s office at (843) 479-5605 or the state Crime Stoppers hotline at (888) CRIME SC (274-6372). Callers need not reveal their identities.