New Bedford mother charged after infant’s body found at Fort Taber Park

NEW BEDFORD, Mass. (WLNE) — A 22-year-old New Bedford woman was arrested on the charge of improper disposal of a body according to Bristol County District Attorney Thomas M. Quinn III.

Officials said that Daniela Michell Escobar-Mejia, the mother of the infant, is being charged after the remains of a baby were found at Fort Taber Park on Dec. 9, 2023.

Police said that DNA analysis and surveillance footage led detectives to Escobar-Mejia.

Officials said due to the state of decomposition of the infant, it was unable to be determined if the baby had been alive before the alleged dumping and the cause of death could not be determined.

Officials said Escobar-Mejia was released on personal recognizance and has to comply with the Department of Children and Families during the case.

Escobar-Mejia is scheduled back in court for a pretrial conference on Sept. 12.