Posted on: April 28, 2016
(Updated Release – April 28, 2016)
Since March 25th, detectives have searched for the parents of the newborn boy left in a dumpster. They pursed leads provided by the community and sought information about an unidentified woman who was at the dumpster before 8:20 p.m. on the night of the incident.
On April 26th, detectives received an anonymous tip indicating a local high-school girl was potentially the mother. The girl had been pregnant while attending school but dropped out for about a month. Upon returning, she was no longer pregnant and refused to talk with friends about what happened.
Detectives confirmed the tip and interviewed 18 year-old Samantha Houston, of Everett, this afternoon. She admitted to giving birth on March 25th and panicked. She wrapped the newborn in a towel and walked with him outside. She stated she didn’t know what to do and placed the newborn in the dumpster. Samantha was booked into the Snohomish County Jail on charges of abandonment of a dependent person (RCW 9A.42.070).
The newborn was taken to Providence Regional Medical Center Everett and has since been placed in the custody of the State Department of Social and Health Services. He is said to be healthy.
Detectives will continue to investigate the case.
