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Everett teen admits leaving newborn in dumpster

Published  March 3, 2017 7:07am PST
Associated Press

EVERETT, Wash. -- An 18-year-old woman has pleaded guilty to abandoning her newborn in a dumpster north of Seattle after giving birth to him in a shower.

The Daily Herald reports Samantha Houston of Everett pleaded guilty Wednesday to felony abandonment of a dependent child.

Houston told police she gave birth March 25 and then panicked, wrapping the baby in a towel and placing him in a dumpster. Prosecutors say afterward she walked to a convenience store to get something to eat.

A tip led Everett police to identify Houston as the suspect about a month after the incident.

The baby was placed in protective custody.

In Washington, mothers can leave their newborns — no questions asked — with a staff member or volunteer at any fire station, rural clinic or hospital emergency room.