Austin, September 23, 2025
News Summary
A newborn baby girl was found abandoned in a dumpster at an apartment complex in North Austin. First responders discovered her still attached to the umbilical cord. Quick action by a neighbor who performed chest compressions helped save her life. The baby is now improving and expected to be discharged soon from the hospital. Authorities are investigating the incident while urging awareness of the Safe Haven Law that allows parents to surrender infants safely without facing legal consequences.
Austin
A newborn baby girl was rescued from a dumpster at an apartment complex in North Austin on Saturday, September 20. The Austin Police Department (APD) reported that they received a call around 1:36 p.m. from residents who heard the sound of an infant crying in the 8600 block of North Lamar Boulevard.
First responders arrived at the scene and found the baby girl still attached to her umbilical cord, covered in trash, filth, and blood. Lerrssy Frausto, a resident of the apartment complex, took immediate action by performing chest compressions on the baby until medical help arrived. The baby was then transported to Dell Children’s Medical Center for evaluation and care. Currently, she is reported to be doing better with no signs of distress and remains in the hospital, expected to be discharged soon.
The APD is actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the case, including efforts to identify the mother and any other responsible parties. No charges have been filed as the investigation remains ongoing. Officers emphasized the importance of Texas’s Safe Haven Law, which allows parents to surrender newborns safely at hospitals, fire stations, and police stations without facing legal consequences. This law aims to prevent instances of abandonment in unsafe locations.
The case has sparked discussions within the community regarding the need for greater education and awareness about safe options for parents. Monica Kelsey, founder of Safe Haven Baby Boxes, has been an advocate for educating the public about the risks of abandoning infants in hazardous places. This situation has led neighbors to nickname the baby “Miracle Angel,” expressing hopes for her future care and potential adoption.
Community members are encouraged to assist in the ongoing investigation by providing any information related to the case to the APD Child Abuse Unit at 512-974-6880 or anonymously through local crime stoppers.
Background Context
The Safe Haven Law in Texas serves to protect infants and provide a safe alternative for parents in crisis. Parents may surrender their newborns up to 60 days old without facing criminal charges, promoting a safer option than abandonment. The intent behind the law is to reduce the number of infants harmed due to unsafe abandonments and to provide them with the medical care they need.
Key Features of the Case
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Incident Date | September 20 |
| Location | 8600 block of North Lamar Boulevard, North Austin |
| Time of Report | 1:36 p.m. |
| Condition of Baby | Improving, expected to be discharged soon |
| Current Legal Status | No charges filed, investigation ongoing |
| Nickname of Baby | Miracle Angel |
FAQ
What happened in Austin on September 20?
A newborn baby was discovered in a dumpster at an apartment complex in North Austin.
Who discovered the baby?
Residents of the apartment complex heard an infant crying and reported it to authorities.
What was the baby’s condition when found?
The baby girl was found still attached to her umbilical cord, covered in trash, filth, and blood.
What steps were taken to help the baby?
A resident performed chest compressions on the baby until help arrived. The baby was then transported to Dell Children’s Medical Center for evaluation.
What is the current status of the baby?
The baby is reported to be doing better with no signs of distress and is expected to be discharged soon.
What law is relevant to this case?
Texas’s Safe Haven Law allows parents to surrender newborns safely at hospitals, fire stations, and police stations without facing charges.
What is being done to investigate this case?
APD is working to identify the mother and any other responsible parties, with the investigation currently ongoing.
How can the community help?
Community members can provide any information related to the case to the APD Child Abuse Unit or anonymously through local crime stoppers.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Baby Found Abandoned in Dumpster in North Austin
Baby Girl Found Alive in North Austin Dumpster
Killeen Fire Captain Dies in Fatal Crash Involving Intoxicated Driver
Additional Resources
- Austin American-Statesman
- Wikipedia: Safe Haven Laws in the United States
- CBS Austin
- Google Search: Texas Safe Haven Law
- KVUE
- Google Scholar: Infant Abandonment Law in Texas
- FOX 7 Austin
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Infant Abandonment Texas
- KXAN Austin
- Google News: Austin Dumpster Baby
Author: STAFF HERE AUSTIN WRITER
The AUSTIN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAustinTX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Austin, Travis County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as SXSW, Austin City Limits Music Festival, Formula 1 United States Grand Prix, and the Austin Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce and Visit Austin, plus leading businesses in technology, automotive, and retail that power the local economy such as Dell Technologies, Tesla, and Apple. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
