MILFORD, Mass. -- The mother of a newborn boy found in a trash truck told police the baby boy was stillborn, Milford Police Chief Tom O'Loughlin said Monday.
An autopsy was being conducted to determine how the infant died. A public works employee found the baby -- with placenta and umbilical cord still attached -- along with garbage inside a trash truck Saturday.
"There is a claim that the baby was not born alive," O'Loughlin said.
The names of the parents were not released. No charges have been filed as of midday Monday.
The couple have an 8-year-old boy. O'Loughlin on Monday asked the Department of Social Services to investigate whether the child should remain in the home.
The 30-year-old father didn't know until later that the birth took place, O'Loughlin said.
"As best we're informed at this point, he was unaware of the birth," O'Loughlin said.
Police first spoke to the parents Saturday when they canvassed the neighborhood where the trash collector discovered the newborn, O'Loughlin said, and the mother told them the boy was dead at birth.
The couple voluntarily went to police headquarters Sunday. The father was "very supportive" of the mother, who O'Loughlin described as appearing "glazed over, distant." The couple left after the questioning.
O'Loughlin said the 27-year-old mother "knew she was pregnant. The baby looked full term."
The couple are not married and have lived in their home for the past 10 years.
Workers were preparing to compact the trash when they discovered the dead boy.
"The child came from trash that was placed at the curb," O'Loughlin said.
Tim Connolly, spokesman for the Worcester County district attorney's office, would not comment Monday on the investigation or potential charges.
Even if the boy's death was natural, it's improper disposal of remains is a crime, O'Loughlin said.
(Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)
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