Click the play button on the video window to the see the storyCHANDLER, AZ -- A newborn baby boy was found stuffed in a backpack and partially buried Monday afternoon in a rural area near Sacaton, about 20 miles south of Chandler.
Gila River Police Department officers stumbled across the bag while investigating an unrelated shooting.
Police Det. Michael Lancaster said the baby was found wrapped in a crib sheet with clear tape holding the sheet together.
While going through the bag, officers initially thought the baby was drugs wrapped in a sheet.
“It was wrapped up in tape," said Lancaster. "He cut open the package to see what was inside and discovered the remains of an infant child.”
Lancaster said he was unsure how long the baby had been there but said it hadn't been long.
Police also found several other items in the bag including several purses and baby clothing.
The baby was found near a makeshift shooting range where Lancaster said several bodies have been dumped in the past including one recent murder victim.
“I think basically, they mostly wanted this baby to be undiscovered," said Lancaster. "It’s the reason it was stuffed down in the backpack."
An autopsy is scheduled for Tuesday to determine the cause of death.
Anyone with information is asked to call Gila River Police Department's Crime Watch line at 520-562-7144.
