Infant death investigation in Los Angeles

In Los Angeles, authorities are investigating the death of an infant, identified by family as Luna, who was found in a trash container near East 52nd Street in the Central-Alameda neighborhood. The infant, estimated to be between four and six months old, was discovered by a resident in a heavy black plastic bag.

The Los Angeles Police Department is treating the case as a homicide investigation and has arrested a 19-year-old mother in connection with the incident. Officials stated the death does not appear to be gang-related.

Additional details indicate the discovery occurred around 10:30 p.m. near the intersection of Alba Street and Long Beach Avenue, across from Holmes Avenue Elementary School. The Los Angeles Fire Department transported the infant to a local hospital, where she was pronounced dead. While investigators have not officially named a suspect, a 19-year-old woman believed to be the mother was detained for questioning. Police also noted that the infant was not homeless.

Following the investigation, the suspect has been identified as 19-year-old Takiyah Babers, who was arrested on suspicion of murder. Babers is currently being held on $2 million bail. The infant’s foster grandparents, Herman Johnson and Laura Lacy, confirmed Luna’s identity, noting she had a distinct physical trait of having six toes on her left foot. Authorities estimate the child had been placed in the dumpster within 24 hours of being found.