Abandoned Newborn: Police Hope Someone Recognizes Backpack That Held Baby Girl's Body

WHEATON, IL — Investigators hope a $5,000 reward and photographs of the backpack that held the body of an abandoned newborn will spur leads that help them find the mother who left the dead baby girl in a wooded area near Wheaton last month.

Baby Hope — the name authorities gave to the currently unidentified infant — was born full term. She appeared to be white, Hispanic or Asian, according to authorities, and her body was found inside a worn, black backpack along with a brown toilet lid cover and brown bath rug.

Donations from the Illinois Crime Commission and Jerry Elsner helped make the higher reward possible, according to the DuPage County Sheriff's Office.

The baby was found on Aug. 15 by landscapers on a private drive in the area of the 25W400 block of Plamondon Drive in unincorporated Wheaton. The baby's body was in a black Everest brand backpack.

Authorities on Thursday released images of the backpack with the hope someone will recognize the backpack and help lead them to Baby Hope's mother.

"Investigators are asking everyone in the public to carefully review these images and consider whether they’ve seen this backpack before," said Dawn Domrose, spokeswoman for the sheriff's office. "If this worn Everest backpack looks familiar to you, please contact the Sheriff’s Office."

Investigators have been working to find Hope’s mother and "are concerned for her well-being." Anyone who knew of a woman who was pregnant and disappeared or appeared to have lost her child is asked to contact the sheriff's office.

“We are taking all leads and information from the public very seriously as we investigate this case,” said DuPage County Sheriff's Office Major Dan McCarthy. “We believe someone in the community has information that is crucial in finding Baby Hope’s parents and we are calling on that person to come forward. Your information will not only help us, but Baby Hope’s mother, as we are concerned for her at this time.”

Police said Thursday that "every tip, lead or piece of information from the public is of the highest importance in bringing this tragic case to a close."

"Please spread the word about this case and help us keep this at the forefront of the public’s mind. This is essential in solving this case," Domrose said. "As the investigation continues, investigators hold on to the hope they have that they will find the answers they are looking for. This hope was the inspiration for Baby Hope’s name."

Anyone with information should contact the DuPage County Sheriff’s Office at (630) 407-2400 or text anonymously at 274637 with the word SHERIFF and your message.

MORE ON PATCH

• UPDATE: Police Continue to Search for Mother of 'Baby Hope'
• Police: Mother of Baby Found Dead Near Wheaton May be in Danger