Police have launched a homicide investigation after a newborn baby was found dead inside a portable toilet at a music festival in Michigan.
The infant was discovered by a cleaning crew carrying out routine maintenance at the Electric Forest Festival on Sunday morning, according to Michigan State Police.
Officers said the baby was found in portable toilets located in the festival’s camping area. Investigators believe the child was born inside the toilet after the placenta and umbilical cord were also recovered at the scene.
In a grim update, an autopsy has since determined the baby was born alive, with authorities saying fluid was found in the infant’s lungs and stomach.
Michigan State Police Lieutenant Pat Agema confirmed the death is being investigated as a homicide. A final post-mortem report is still pending.
Police have not identified the baby’s mother or announced any arrests. In a statement, Michigan State Police appealed for witnesses to come forward.
It said: “The Michigan State Police continue to investigate the discovery of a deceased neonate found Sunday morning in the camping area at the Electric Forest Festival.
“Investigators are asking for the public’s assistance. If you were in the area and observed anything unusual, or if you have information that you believe may be relevant, we encourage you to come forward.
“We appreciate the public’s cooperation and ask that people avoid speculation on social media out of respect for the investigation and those affected.”
Thousands of people attended the annual music festival, which took place near Rothbury, Michigan, with campers staying on site throughout the event.
Electric Forest organisers said they were “heartbroken” by the incident and urged anyone with information to assist police.
In a statement shared online, organisers said: “Forest Family, it causes us so much pain to have to share this difficult news with you. Michigan State Police continues to investigate this tragic event if you can assist in any way. HQ is heartbroken and knows that our Forest Family is as well.”
The investigation remains ongoing.
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