Police: Baby Found on Detroit Porch Belonged to 16-Year-Old Teen Who Lived in the Home

DETROIT, MICHIGAN — Detroit police have released new details in a shocking Thanksgiving Day discovery, revealing that a baby found on a porch in Detroit actually belonged to a 16-year-old girl living inside the home.

The incident unfolded on Thanksgiving morning when officers were called to a house on Cruse Street near Fenkell and Schaefer. The teen’s grandmother had dialed 911, reporting that a newborn had been abandoned on the front porch.

Responding officers arrived to find the infant wrapped in blankets. The baby was taken to a nearby hospital, where doctors confirmed the child was in stable condition.

Teen Initially Claimed to Have “Found” the Baby

When questioned by police, the 16-year-old initially said she had discovered the baby outside and alerted her family. However, as detectives continued their investigation, inconsistencies in her story began to emerge.

According to an update from Metro Detroit News, family members later admitted that the teen had recently given birth. Police now believe she placed her newborn on the porch moments before pretending to find it.

Authorities say the grandmother was unaware that her granddaughter was pregnant and had called for help out of genuine concern when she saw the baby outside.

Police Investigation Underway

Detroit police confirmed they are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident, including the teen’s actions and how the baby was delivered. Detectives are also consulting with the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office to determine whether any charges or interventions will follow.

Child Protective Services has been notified and is working with hospital staff to ensure the baby receives proper care and monitoring while the investigation continues.

Family Cooperation and Medical Status

Officials report that the baby remains in good health. The teen mother, who was also evaluated by doctors, is receiving medical attention and social services support. Police described the family as “cooperative” and “deeply shaken” by the incident.

“This appears to be a case of panic and fear rather than malice,” one investigator said. “We’re thankful the child survived and is in good hands.”

Broader Context: Teen Pregnancy and Safe Haven Laws

Michigan law allows parents to safely surrender a newborn up to 72 hours old at any police station, hospital, or fire department without fear of prosecution — a policy designed to prevent dangerous abandonments.

Authorities hope this case serves as a reminder to young mothers that help is available and that they can safely and anonymously give up a newborn if they are unable to care for the child.

“This is exactly the type of situation Safe Haven laws were created for,” an officer added. “We encourage anyone in crisis to use these options before resorting to unsafe actions.”

Community Response

The story has drawn widespread attention across Detroit, with many expressing sympathy for the young mother’s situation while calling for more awareness about reproductive health and safe surrender programs.

As the investigation continues, police say their primary concern is the well-being of both the mother and the baby. No criminal charges have been filed at this time, but officials confirmed that social service assessments are ongoing.

Stay with NapervilleLocal.com for continued updates on this developing story from Detroit.