Mother of dead baby comes forward

1- to 2-week-old infant found in reservoir

HARWINTON >> The mother of a baby found dead in a reservoir off Route 72 earlier this week has come forward and is cooperating with police, officials said.

The mother, who is from Connecticut but whose name is being withheld by police at this time, has also been provided necessary medical care at a local hospital, state police said in a release Thursday.

The baby’s body was found Tuesday in a bag in Bristol Reservoir No. 4 on Route 72, which

is maintained by the Bristol Water Department, police said. Troopers from Troop L in Litchfield were notified of the discovery and Western District Major Crime unit detectives responded to the scene along with a dive team to search for evidence, according to police. The infant has been identified as a baby boy, born approximately one or two weeks ago, state police said Thursday. The mother is working with detectives as they continue to investigate the circumstances of this incident, police said.

“Western District Major Crime Detectives would like to thank the public for their understanding, support and assistance in this matter,” Trooper Kelly Grant said in a release. “We appreciate and encourage residents with continuing to help keep their community, town and state and its residents safe.”

The Office of Chief Medical Examiner will conduct a post-mortem examination to determine cause and manner of death, officials said. An official with the office said that the cause of death was “pending further study” on Thursday afternoon. Anyone who may have information related to the case is asked to contact Troop L at 860-626-7900 or text TIP711 with any information to 274637. All calls will remain confidential.

BEN LAMBERT — THE REGISTER CITIZEN Route 72 in Harwinton was closed at the intersection with Locust Road Tuesday while police investigated the discovery of a dead baby in a bag at Bristol Reservoir No. 4 in Harwinton.