The FBI has announced a $15,000 reward for anyone who can provide information leading to an arrest related to the tragic death of a newborn, whose body was discovered at a popular Michigan music festival.
This reward is a development following the grim discovery made on June 28, at the Electric Forest Festival—a vibrant gathering known for its music and atmosphere. The infant’s body was located in a porta-potty within the festival’s camping grounds, prompting a state police investigation.
The heartbreaking scene was unveiled by an employee from a restroom vending company while attending to maintenance tasks. The newborn was identified as a neonate, indicating the baby was less than 28 days old.
Following preliminary autopsy results, law enforcement confirmed that the child was born alive and viable, shedding more light on the tragic circumstances surrounding the infant’s death.
In their ongoing investigation, police have spoken to a woman in Muskegon who attended the festival and is believed to hold crucial insight into the case. Authorities remain hopeful that the reward will incentivize individuals with relevant information to come forward, enhancing their pursuit of justice.
The woman was “fully cooperative” and has since been eliminated as a suspect in the case.
The FBI’s Detroit Field Office separately announced on Monday it was assisting the Michigan State Police with the investigation and would offer the $15,000 reward for the identification, arrest, and conviction of the person or people responsible for the newborn’s death.
The sold-out festival was hosted at Double JJ Ranch in Rothbury and featured dozens of EDM acts.
Michigan State Police said in a statement on X that they are “confident” that continued investigative efforts and forensic science will lead them to a suspect.
“Investigators believe there are individuals with important information relevant to this case who may be reluctant to come forward,” police said.
Anyone with information regarding the newborn’s death is urged to contact the Michigan State Police by calling 1-855-MICHTIP, contact their local FBI office, the nearest American Embassy or Consulate, or submit a tip online at