An investigation is underway after the remains of a premature infant were found buried in a shallow grave in Jackson.
Interim Hinds County coroner Jeramiah Howard has confirmed to multiple outlets that the fetus was discovered in the backyard of a home on Jeanette Circle on Monday around 6:30 p.m. According to Howard, the infant was estimated at 16 to 24 weeks and had been buried for a few days, but no more than a week.
The remains have been transported to the Mississippi State Crime Lab for an autopsy. Law enforcement will determine whether any criminal charges are warranted.
The Jackson Police Department received a call Monday evening about a “fetus” buried in a backyard and provided officers with enough information to quickly locate the grave. The remains were wrapped in a flannel shirt inside a garbage bag and were discovered in a hole less than a foot deep.
As of now, the child’s mother has not been publicly identified. The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with relevant information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers at (601) 355-8477.
