Compton Mom Charged With Attempted Murder After Baby Found Abandoned
LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com/AP) — The mother of a baby who was found buried alive near a Compton bike path was charged Monday with attempted murder, prosecutors announced.
Porche Laronda Washington, 33, was expected to be arraigned Tuesday her arrest Thursday, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office.
If convicted as charged, Washington faces a possible maximum sentence of life in state prison.
The baby girl was believed to be 24 to 36 hours old when she was found on the day after Thanksgiving. Two sisters walking on a bike path near a riverbed in Compton heard the child's muffled cries.
Two deputies found her wrapped in what appears to be a hospital blanket, buried in a hole under loose dirt and pieces of asphalt.
The baby remains in good condition and is currently still in the hospital under medical care, authorities said.
A preliminary investigation revealed Washington was admitted to a local hospital on Nov. 23. She was released with the baby three days later.
"She was stressed," said Sgt. Richard Ruiz. "She did not want to deliver the baby at first so she was afraid."
Detectives have not clarified whether Washington was aware of California's Safe Surrender Program or if she has any other children.
Once released from hospital care, placement of the baby will be determined by the Department of Children and Family Services.
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