Update | Stillborn baby’s body discovered by roadside clean-up crew along Interstate 82

Benton County deputies are investigating the discovery of a stillborn baby’s body in a garbage bag along Interstate 82.

A team of contractors working for the state Department of Ecology found the baby about 10 a.m. Monday near south Richland, Ecology spokeswoman Emily Tasaka told the Herald.

Lt. Jason Erickson with the Benton County Sheriff’s Office said in a Friday news release that the little girl’s remains were found near the on-ramp to Interstate 182 from Interstate 82.

Investigators have determined the girl was about 30-weeks developed. Full gestation is at 40 weeks.

Benton County Coroner Bill Leach confirmed an autopsy was conducted Wednesday.

Erickson said the investigation is ongoing and asks that anyone with information about the baby is asked to call Detective CJ Conner at 509-735-6555, Ext. 7203, or by email at cj.conner@co.benton.wa.us.

Tasaka said members of the clean-up crew who found her were given some time off and offered counseling after being interviewed by investigators.

This story was originally published March 9, 2023 at 6:02 PM.