SANTA ROSA COUNTY

SHERIFFS OFFICE

Sheriff Wendell Hall

UPDATED INFORMATION CONCERNING DECEASED INFANT IN GULF BREEZE

The Santa Rosa County Sheriff's Office is investigating the discovery of a deceased 8 day old infant as a homicide.  The discovery occurred after a deputy was flagged down by the infant's grandmother shortly after 6pm . 

The incident unfolded as follows:

Shortly after 9am this morning, the grandmother of the infant contacted the Santa Rosa County Sheriff's Office to report her daughter and her 8 day old grand daughter missing.  At that time, Deputies responded to 5867 Congress St which is the address of the grandmother. Deputies spoke with her, and she stated that her thirty four year old daughter and her daughter's 8 day old baby were missing. The last time the grandmother saw her daughter was on 04/15/10 at approximately 0550 hours.  The grandmother stated that her daughter has been living with her over the past week. The grandmother gave deputies several addresses where her daughter could possibly be living and stated that her primary concern was for the welfare of the 8 day old baby.  All checks of the locations were met with negative results. Deputies filed a report and entered a welfare BOLO for the missing woman and infant.   

Shortly after 6pm on 4/16/10 , a deputy traveling on Highway 98 in the area of Central Parkway was flagged down by the grandfather of the infant as he was driving past the deputy.  The deputy stopped, at which time the grandfather told the deputy that his wife (the grandmother) had received a phone call from the daughter.  The daughter stated that she and the infant were in a wooded area on Congress Street .  Deputies went with the grandfather to that location.  Deputies entered a wooded area and located the woman, along with her deceased infant. 

Investigators are currently interviewing the mother, and other people associated with the case.  Charges are expected later tonight.  More information will be released as soon as it becomes available.

Press Release By:

Sgt. Scott Haines

Media Relations Unit