Michigan State Police have declared the death of a newborn found in a porta-potty at the Electric Forest music festival a homicide. The infant was discovered by a cleaning crew member on Sunday morning in the festival's camping area.
Sources indicate the baby was born inside the portable toilet, with the placenta and umbilical cord reportedly found at the scene. Investigators confirmed the neonate was alive and breathing, showing signs of fluid in its lungs and stomach, suggesting it was born alive.
An autopsy has been completed, but official results are pending. Authorities have not yet released information regarding any individuals connected to the child. The electronic music festival, which began on Thursday, drew thousands of attendees near Lake Michigan.
Social media posts from festival-goers described an unsettling atmosphere on Sunday morning, with a visible police presence cordoning off porta-potties near camping areas. Some attendees expressed shock and distress upon learning the details of the discovery.
Electric Forest organizers released a statement expressing sorrow and stating that Michigan State Police are investigating, asking for any assistance from the public. However, the festival's subsequent social media post celebrating the event's conclusion drew criticism from some attendees who deemed it tone-deaf given the tragic discovery.
The festival also saw other incidents over the weekend, including a reported suicide and a car crash. Jerard 'Jay' Jackson, 28, was reported missing and later found deceased by apparent suicide. Police are seeking public assistance for information regarding the newborn's death.