RICHMOND COUNTY, N.C. — One woman is in custody after a newborn baby boy was found dead near train tracks in late January.
On Thursday, the Richmond County Sheriff's Office announced that Kimberly Dawn Harris, 27, was charged with murder and failure to report a death after a baby was found dead in East Rockingham.
On Jan. 26, investigators say a newborn baby was found dead near railroad tracks between South St. and 9th Ave Aleo in East Rockingham.
On Jan. 31, officials posted photos of towels and a heater box that they believed were linked to the baby's death.
Investigators followed several leads before identifying Harris as a suspect.
The baby's identity has not been made public at this time. Officials have not directly stated the relationship between Harris and the baby boy.
Harris is currently being held at the Richmond County jail with no bond.
This case remains under investigation. The sheriff's office is continuing to follow more leads.
"Even though we can start the closure process in this case, there are no winners, this is a terrible situation for everyone involved and for the community as a whole,” said Mark Gulledge, Richmond County Sheriff.
Note: WCNC instituted a new policy in March 2021 regarding the broadcast or posting of mugshots.
WCNC will only air or post a mugshot if the person has been formally charged with a crime and in a few other cases. The exceptions include: If it appears the person could be a danger to themselves or others or if they are wanted by authorities; to differentiate between people with a common name; if the photos could encourage more victims to come forward. The news-editorial leadership may also decide to use a mugshot based on the severity of the crime(s) committed and/or the level of public interest in the crime and ensuing criminal proceedings.