Mother of 3 newborns found behind apartment complexes can be charged, police say

ORLANDO, Fla. – Orlando police say they have found the biological mother of three newborns left in apartment complexes over three years.

The babies were found at different thresholds in 2016, 2017 and 2019. Officers learned through DNA evidence last year that the three are siblings.

The most recent baby was found at Willow Key Apartments on Arnold Palmer Drive in July 2019. A note found with the baby said the mother left him because police say she was afraid of the child’s father.

In October 2017, a baby girl was found with a note in the stairwell of Willow Key Apartments and in 2016 a baby boy was found at Buena Vista Point Apartments.

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“Much more has been discovered since then,” said Detective Frank Chisari.

Officials said on Wednesday that they have been in contact with their biological mother since late November and were able to track her down with a DNA match. She told authorities she had delivered all three children herself.

Detectives also revealed that all three babies were from the same mother and father, but do not know the identity of the biological father at this time.

“We are trying to help the biological mother we have identified and give her the services she needs, while at the same time wondering what criminal charges may be pending against her,” Chisari said.

Orlando Police Department investigators say they are working with the district attorney’s office to see what charges she could face and how she could be held accountable.

“You can’t just leave your kids in an apartment complex out front where you don’t know who will take care of them,” Chisari said.

Along with Chief Orlando Rolon, he emphasized Florida’s Safe Haven law, which allows newborn babies seven days old or younger to be surrendered to a hospital, emergency medical service, or fire station. Parents end their parental rights when the baby is extradited.

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“It is very important that you still follow state law when it comes to the lore of your children,” said the detective.

As for the siblings, police say all three are healthy. Two of the children are in the same home, one is adopted and the other is in foster care, according to authorities. The third is in a different house.

Researchers say both foster and adoptive parents are participating in the study.

Authorities add that it is an open criminal investigation and the biological mother is also cooperating with detectives. They take into account her notes left with the children as they further discuss the matter with the district attorney’s office. As of Wednesday, no charges have been filed.

“Those children were put in fantastic situations, but that will not always be the case,” said the OPD detective.

Rolon asked that if anyone thinks they can’t take on the stressors of being a parent, they should remember Florida law. Babies can be left in a hospital or fire station.

Click here to read more about the Florida safe harbor law.