Mother Arrested Over Baby Abandoned in Riverside Dumpster
A year-long investigation led to the arrest of a woman accused of leaving her newborn by a dumpster in Riverside, California.
Riverside police have arrested a mother accused of abandoning her newborn baby in a dumpster enclosure more than 16 months ago. The arrest of Astrid Nohemi Lopez Ramos, 26, follows an extensive investigation by detectives from the Riverside Police Department's Sexual Assault/Child Abuse division.
Officers responded to reports of a baby crying in the rain on May 4, 2025, at an apartment complex in the 3800 block of Jackson Street. They found the infant next to a dumpster with the umbilical cord still attached. Police stated the baby was discovered moments before by a resident and appeared to have been delivered only a few hours prior.
The infant was transported to a local hospital and appears to have survived the ordeal. Authorities have not released details about the baby's current condition or where the child has been placed.
Ramos is currently being held at the Larry D. Smith Correctional Facility in Banning, California, on a charge of child endangerment. Her bail has been set at $35,000, and she is scheduled for a court appearance on January 12th at the Riverside Hall of Justice.
Authorities reminded the public about California's Safely Surrendered Baby Law, which allows parents to anonymously and safely surrender a newborn within 72 hours of birth at designated locations, including fire stations and hospitals, to prevent infant abandonment. This law aims to provide a safe alternative for parents who feel unable to care for their newborns.
Anyone with further information regarding the investigation is encouraged to contact Detective Jessica Iniguez at (951) 353-7121 or Detective Jarid Zuetel at (951) 826-8714.