Baby survives several hours in dumpster before begin discovered, investigators say
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COLUMBUS, Ga. (WRBL) — More details have emerged in the case of the newborn baby boy discovered in a dumpster behind a Columbus motel.

According to the Columbus Police Department, on Sept. 2 officers responded to the Budgetel Inn and Suites on Victory Drive after a newborn baby was found in a dumpster.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Mother arrested after admitting to leaving newborn baby in dumpster, police say

Police said the investigation that followed revealed the baby’s mother as 22-year-old Zinnia Hernandez.

Hernandez appeared in Recorder’s Court Friday afternoon, where more details emerged about the initial investigation.

Investigators revealed that Hernandez confessed immediately after being confronted by Columbus Police officers.

According to Sergeant Bradley Waldie, the baby was left in the dumpster for 5-6 hours before being discovered by a motel worker who heard the baby crying. Waldie also said the baby was wrapped in two trash bags along with miscellaneous pieces of garbage.

Hernandez is also mother of a 1-year-old daughter, who was taken into custody of the Georgia Department of Family and Children Services (DFACS).

Hernandez is currently being held on a $20,000 bond and is being charged with criminal attempt murder, abandonment of a child, first degree cruelty to children and reckless conduct.

The Columbus Police Department reminds the public of Georgia’s Safe Haven Law, which allows a mother to leave her baby, up to 30 days old, at a hospital, fire station, or police station without facing criminal charges, as long as the infant is left with staff.

This law exists to ensure the safety and well-being of newborns.

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