BABY THERESA DEATH INVESTIGATION

MEDIA RELEASE UPDATE 7-3-09

The Dodge County Medical Examiner’s Office has ruled the death of Infant Doe, “Baby Theresa” a Fetal Death.  Autopsy findings indicated that “Baby Theresa” was a full term female infant, 8 pounds, 20.5 inches in length, who had suffered no trauma which would have resulted in her death.  In addition, a toxicology screen was completed and was negative for any drugs in the infant’s system.

 Anyone with information regarding the case is asked to call P.J. Schoebel, Dodge County Medical Examiner at 920-386-3941 or by paging him thru the Dodge County Dispatch Center at 920-386-3726.

Patrick J. Schoebel

Medical Examiner

 MEDIA RELEASE UPDATE 5-6-09

Dodge County Sheriff Department has identified a vehicle of interest that was seen in the area where an unidentified newborn was found in a garbage bag on April 29, 2009 near Lone Road in the Town of Theresa. 

The vehicle of interest is a Dodge Shadow, possibly a 1993, metallic blue in color with a black hood.  Two persons were seen in this vehicle.  A witness who saw the vehicle worked with Dodge County forensic sketch artist to compile a sketch composite of the driver.  It is unknown if the driver, represented in this sketch, is a male or female.

Lead investigator, Det. Vickie Brugger asks for the public’s assistance in identifying this vehicle and occupants stating, “These persons may have witnessed something that could be important in our efforts to identify Baby Theresa.  I hope that they will come forward and help in this investigation.”

Anyone with information on the identity of this vehicle or driver are asked to contact the Dodge County Sheriff Department at 920-386-3726, Det. Vickie Brugger at 920-386-3715, or WeTip at 1-800-78-CRIME.

Artist sketch of person of interest

Information on Baby Theresa

On Wednesday, April 29, 2009 the Dodge County Sheriff’s Department and the Dodge County Medical Examiner’s Office responded to Lone Road, in the Township of Theresa and confirmed that there was a new born baby abandoned in the woods inside of a garbage bag.  The baby was transported to the Fond du Lac Medical Examiners Office where an autopsy was performed on April 30, 2009.   

The baby is a girl, approximately 8 lbs, full-term, and appeared very healthy.  It is apparent that the biological mother sought prenatal care or took care of herself during the pregnancy. At this time, tests are still being conducted which will be used to determine the cause of death for “Baby Theresa”.  Authorities have named the baby to provide her an identity, and are named after the community closest to where Theresa was found, the Village of Theresa. 

There are grave concerns that the mother may be in dire straights and needs immediate medical attention. Since time has passed, the mother may be susceptible to infection if she does not seek medical attention. 

Authorities are working tirelessly to reunite her with her family, (parents, grandparents, aunts/uncles) and provide her with a respectful and dignified burial.

Anyone with information regarding this case is encouraged to contact the Dodge County Sheriff’s Department at (920) 386-3726, the WeTip Hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME, or the Dodge County Medical Examiner’s Office at (920) 386-3941.

Artist sketch of Baby Theresa