Mother of newborn found in Dumpster is 13 years old, police say

MERCED, Calif. -- The mother of a newborn found alive last week by a man searching for recyclables in a Dumpster in Merced is 13 years old, KTLA-TV reported Monday.

Investigators received tips from the public and were able to track down the teenager, who admitted to giving birth to the baby girl, Merced Police Capt. Tom Trindad said.

The girl told investigators she knew she was pregnant before leaving her baby inside the large dumpster Thursday, Trindad said. The girl’s mother, however, was apparently not aware of the pregnancy.

The girl was turned over to Merced County’s Child Protective Services officials “for her safety,” Trindad said.