Perry Police Investigate Infant Found Dead in Trash Can at East Side Day Care

Perry, Iowa — Police are actively investigating a tragic incident where an infant was discovered dead in a trash can outside the Acorns and Oaks Child Care Center on the city’s east side Tuesday night. The Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation has joined the investigation, which remains open as authorities work to determine whether any criminal charges will be pursued.

What Happened? Timeline and Key Details

According to Police Chief Jim Archer, officers were called to the scene after receiving information that a baby had been placed in a bag inside a trash receptacle at the daycare facility. The infant was pronounced dead at the scene. In a press statement, Archer described the case as “one of the tough things you can do as an officer, you know, when you’re dealing with, you know, babies.”

The investigation began when a woman was hospitalized in Des Moines due to severe bleeding. Hospital staff alerted Perry police that a baby had been found in a trash can in the town. Early reports indicate the infant was not a client of the daycare and the mother was not a registered parent. The mother’s identity remains undisclosed at this time.

Police Response and Ongoing Investigation

Chief Archer emphasized that the department is treating the incident as a potential homicide case. “We’re following every lead to understand what transpired and whether any crime was committed,” he said. The Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation is assisting with evidence collection, forensic analysis, and interview coordination.

Authorities have not released any suspect information, but they have indicated that the mother may face charges depending on the autopsy results and investigation findings. An autopsy is scheduled for later this week and is expected to provide critical information about the cause of death. Until then, detectives are working to piece together the events leading up to the tragedy.

“It’s important for me to walk alongside these moms,” said Monica Kelsey, CEO of Safe Haven Baby Boxes, commenting on the broader community response to infant abandonment cases.

Community Reaction and Safe Haven Resources

Monica Kelsey highlighted the availability of Safe Haven Baby Boxes, which are designed to give mothers a confidential way to relinquish a newborn. Iowa’s Safe Haven law allows mothers to leave infants at designated locations—including hospitals, fire stations, and the Fort Dodge Safe Haven Baby Box, roughly an hour north of Perry—without fear of prosecution.

“It literally tears my heart out knowing that there was a box, well, an hour away from her where she could have got complete anonymity if she would have just drove there, placed her baby in that box, turned around, you know, walked away and we would never know her name,” Kelsey said. She stressed that the system is intended to protect both the mother and the child, offering a safe exit from crisis situations.

Local officials and child advocacy groups are using the incident to remind the community about these resources. “There’s so many people out there looking to adopt and raise children…those options are out there,” noted Chief Archer, encouraging any mother in distress to seek help rather than resorting to dangerous alternatives.

Legal Options and Safe Haven Laws in Iowa

Iowa’s Safe Haven law was enacted to reduce infant abandonment and unsafe disposal methods. Under the statute, any mother may anonymously surrender a newborn up to 72 hours old at approved locations. These include hospitals, emergency rooms, and designated fire stations equipped with Safe Haven Baby Boxes.

The law is designed to protect mothers from criminal charges related to abandonment or neglect when they make use of these safe channels. However, if a baby is harmed or discarded in a manner that does not comply with Safe Haven protocols—such as being placed in a trash receptacle—the mother may still be subject to investigation and potential prosecution.

Legal experts stress that the law’s anonymity protections do not extend to cases where the infant’s death is involved. “The safe haven statute is a compassionate response to desperate circumstances, but it is not a blanket shield for actions that result in harm or death,” explained an Iowa criminal law professor. He added that the forthcoming autopsy and investigation will be pivotal in determining legal accountability.

How Mothers in Crisis Can Get Help

If you or someone you know is facing an unplanned pregnancy or postpartum crisis, several resources are available in Iowa:

• Safe Haven Baby Boxes – Locations include hospitals in Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, and fire stations throughout the state. Boxes are marked with clear signage and are available 24/7.
• Iowa Perinatal Care Consortium – Offers prenatal care, counseling, and postpartum support regardless of financial status.
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline – 988 (or 1‑800‑273‑8255) for emotional support and crisis counseling.
• Local Faith‑Based and Community Organizations – Many provide temporary housing, counseling, and adoption assistance.

Anyone needing immediate assistance can call 911 or the Iowa Child Abuse Hotline at 1‑800‑352‑0011. Confidentiality is maintained whenever possible.

Implications for Public Safety and Community Awareness

The tragic loss of an infant in Perry has sparked renewed discussions about the effectiveness of Safe Haven programs and the need for increased awareness, especially in rural communities where access to services can be limited. Law enforcement officials are reminding residents that the first step in a crisis should always be reaching out for help rather than hiding the baby in unsafe locations.

Community leaders are planning town‑hall meetings to educate families about available resources and to discuss ways to improve outreach for at‑risk mothers. These sessions aim to reduce stigma, encourage early intervention, and ultimately prevent future tragedies.

Updated Investigation Status (as of December 17, 2025)

Detectives report that the investigation remains active and no charges have been filed pending the autopsy. The Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation continues to analyze physical evidence, interview witnesses, and review surveillance footage from the daycare and surrounding area. Family members of the mother have been cooperating with authorities, though no suspects have been identified.

Local media outlets continue to follow the case, and the Perry Police Department has pledged to release an update once the autopsy results are available. Community members are encouraged to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activity to law enforcement.

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