Michigan State Police have confirmed that a newborn baby discovered dead in a portable toilet at the Electric Forest music festival is believed to have been born alive, and the case is now being investigated as a homicide.
Discovery and Investigation
A cleaning crew found the infant during routine maintenance on Sunday morning in the festival's camping area. According to Michigan State Police, the placenta and umbilical cord were also found inside the portaloo, suggesting the baby was born there. News 8 reported that fluid in the baby's lungs and stomach indicated the infant was born alive and breathing.
Lieutenant Pat Agema of the Michigan State Police confirmed that the death has been classified as a homicide. An autopsy was completed on Wednesday, with the official report pending. The identity of anyone connected to the child has not yet been announced.
Public Appeal
Police are seeking the public's assistance. In a statement, they said: "The Michigan State Police continue to investigate the discovery of a deceased neonate found Sunday morning in the camping area at the Electric Forest Festival. Investigators are asking for the public's assistance. If you were in the area and observed anything unusual, or if you have information that you believe may be relevant, we encourage you to come forward." They urged people to avoid speculation on social media out of respect for the investigation and those affected.
The festival, held near Lake Michigan, attracted thousands of attendees from Thursday. A Reddit user reported waking up to police presence near cordoned-off porta potties on Sunday morning. Another user, in a deleted post, described entering a portaloo and initially thinking they saw a doll, later realizing it was a baby. They expressed guilt for not reporting it sooner.
Festival Response and Other Tragedies
Electric Forest released a statement saying: "Forest Family, it causes us so much pain to have to share this difficult news with you. Michigan State Police continues to investigate this tragic event if you can assist in any way. HQ is heartbroken and knows that our Forest Family is as well." However, the festival later posted celebrating "another stunner," drawing criticism from users who called the response "tone deaf."
This tragedy is not the only incident at Electric Forest. Jerard 'Jay' Jackson, 28, was reported missing after leaving the festival on Monday morning. His body was found on Tuesday, and authorities said he had died by hanging. Michigan Police also reported a car crash linked to the festival, with a third person still missing.
The Mirror has contacted Electric Forest for further comment.
