Mother of 3 newborns abandoned in apartment complexes found could face charges, says police

ORLANDO, Fla. – Orlando police claim to have found the biological mother of the three newborns left in apartment complexes over a three-year period.

The babies were found in 2016, 2017 and 2019 on different thresholds. Police officers discovered last year through DNA evidence that the three are brothers.

The most recent baby was found in July 2019 at Willow Key Apartments on Arnold Palmer Drive. A note found with the baby said that the mother abandoned him because he was afraid of the child’s father, police said.

In October 2017, a girl was found with a ticket on the stairs at Willow Key Apartments and in 2016 a boy was found at Buena Vista Point Apartments.

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“Much more has been discovered since then,” said detective Frank Chisari.

Authorities said on Wednesday that they had been in contact with their birth mother since late November and were able to track her down with a DNA test. She told authorities that she handed over the three children alone.

Detectives also revealed that all three babies were from the same mother and father, but did not know the biological father’s identity at the time.

“We are looking to help the birth mother, who we have identified, and get the services she needs, while still considering the possible criminal charges pending against her,” said Chisari.

Investigators at the Orlando Police Department say they are working with the prosecutor to see what charges she can face and how she can be held responsible.

“You can’t just leave your kids in an apartment complex on an unknown door where who will look after them,” said Chisari.

He, along with Chief Orlando Rolon, emphasized Florida’s Safe Haven Act, which allows newborn babies seven days of age or less to be delivered to a hospital, emergency medical service or fire station. Parents terminate their parental rights when the baby is delivered.

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“It is very important that you follow state law when it comes to handing over your children,” said the detective.

As for the brothers, the police say the three are healthy. Two of the children are in the same house, one has been adopted and the other is in foster care, according to authorities. The third is in a different house.

The investigators say that both adoptive and adoptive parents have cooperated with the investigation.

The authorities add that it is an open criminal investigation and that the birth mother is also cooperating with the detectives. They are taking into account the notes she left with the children while discussing the case with the prosecutor. As of Wednesday, no charges have been filed.

“These children were put in fantastic situations, but that will not always be the case,” said the OPD detective.

Rolon asked if anyone thinks they can’t take the stress of being a parent to remember Florida law. Babies can be dropped off at a hospital or fire station.

Click here to read more about Florida’s safe haven law.