A local Bakersfield woman gave birth to a baby inside the women's restroom at Jefferson Park at around four a.m. this morning.
The women was identified as 29-year-old Jessica Carrasco and police say Carrasco was believed to be homeless.
The baby was pronounced dead at the scene after first responders arrived, Carrasco, was taken to Kern Medical to be treated.
Carrasco walked to a nearby residence carrying the newborn inside of her purse after giving birth.
Police are still investigating the death of the child.
"Me personally, I haven't seen anything of this nature. The circumstances are definitely something a bit different, not something we see on a regular basis,” said Sgt. Ryan Kroeker the Bakersfield Police Department PIO.
It is still unknown if any charges will be made.
The safe way to deal with a situation like this is to surrender the newborn.
Safely Surrendered Babies is a California law that allows a parent to give up their baby in a safe, legal and confidential manner.
The parent can drop the baby off at any local fire station or hospital emergency room within 72 hours of birth and the parents have a 14-day window to reclaim the newborn.
"It’s really important that the baby have a fighting chance that we put the baby in the hands of somebody that can care for the baby. Gives the mother a way out it is a great program for the baby but also the mother in crisis as well," said John Frando, the Bakersfield Fire Department PIO.
The Bakersfield Fire Department says since 2006 there have been 60 babies that have been safely surrendered right here in Kern County.
