Travis County Sheriff’s seeking help finding mother of discarded newborn

At approximately 8:30 am on August 24, 2021, Travis County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a report of a deceased person in the 11800 block of Old San Antonio Rd.

Press release from Travis County Sheriff’s Office on Sept. 7 just before 10 a.m.

It has been two weeks since TCSO detectives began working the case of a newborn, discovered in a shallow grave, along a riverbank. With few leads to follow, they’re seeking the public’s help finding the mother so they can piece together the events that lead to the baby’s death.

“This baby wasn’t buried. She was discarded; thrown away.” said Homicide Sergeant Sylvia Leal, “The body was left in the woods, lying in a very shallow depression. It’s a miracle she was found so soon after being left. I believe we are meant to find the answers she deserves.”

Stricken by the disregard shown to the newborn, detectives are determined to find out what happened. They’re also determined to give the baby dignity, starting with a name, Ivy. The name was chosen by the Crime Scene Specialists who took care of her and collected evidence at the location where she was found.

Evidence collected leaves room for many possibilities. “So far, the autopsy results haven’t revealed if Ivy was born alive or not. She could have been still-born and the mother panicked. She could also have been a live birth, then discarded. There are homeless camps in the area, and we can’t rule out the possibility the mother is transient, but it’s also possible this was a case of abuse, covered up by someone involved. We’re concerned for the mother’s safety and are trying to find her.” -Detective Ben Wright

At approximately 8:30 am on August 24, 2021, deputies responded to a report of a deceased person in the 11800 block of Old San Antonio Rd. A fisherman, who was in the area, accidentally discovered Ivy. It is estimated she may have been there several days, perhaps a week. An autopsy was conducted August 25, 2021 and final results are pending.

Sally Hernandez, Travis County Sheriff

“I’m so grateful to the man who found Ivy for calling 911 and reporting it. I believe someone knows something about the mother. Even one small piece of information might be all we need to determine what happened. I’m asking anyone who has knowledge of the incident or the identity of the mother to call. We want to make sure this mom is safe and bring Ivy the closure she deserves.” said Sheriff Sally Hernandez.

TCSO tip line: 512-854-1444.