Mother arrested after newborn baby was found in a Columbus dumpster
The mother of a baby found in a Columbus dumpster has been arrested and faces several criminal charges after admitting to putting the newborn in the dumpster, according to the Columbus Police Department.
Zinnia Hernandez, 22, “admitted to giving birth and placing the infant in the dumpster” outside the Budgetel Inn on Victory Drive, CPD said in a news release Friday morning.
Hernandez is charged with criminal attempted murder, abandonment of a child, first-degree cruelty to children and reckless conduct.
The newborn was found Sept. 2 at around 6:30 p.m. and was taken to Piedmont Columbus Regional for treatment. The child was in stable condition Friday, police said.
Police said Sgt. Bradley Waldie led the investigation that resulted in Hernandez’s arrest, with assistance from the entire Special Victims Unit.
“Their swift work and dedication brought this difficult case to resolution,” police said in a news release.
Police also said the investigation still is active, and anyone with more information about this case should contact Waldie at 706-225-4292 or bwaldie@columbusga.org.