The FBI is offering up to $15,000 for information identifying those involved in the infant’s death.
ROTHBURY, Mich. — A newborn found dead inside a portable restroom at the Electric Forest music festival was viable and born alive, according to preliminary autopsy findings released by Michigan State Police.
The finding marks a major development in the investigation into the infant’s death. The body was discovered June 28 in a portable restroom in a camping area at the festival in Rothbury. Authorities have not publicly identified the child or announced an arrest.
The FBI’s Detroit Field Office is assisting Michigan State Police and has offered a reward of up to $15,000. The money is available for information leading to the identification, arrest and conviction of the person or people involved in the infant’s death, according to an FBI notice.
A maintenance employee discovered the infant’s body while servicing portable restrooms on the morning of June 28, police said. Investigators initially described the child as a neonate, a term generally used for a newborn in the first weeks of life. Officials waited for an autopsy before releasing more information about whether the baby had been born alive.
Michigan State Police said in a July 13 update that the preliminary autopsy showed the infant was viable and alive at birth. Authorities have not released the child’s sex, exact age, cause of death or manner of death. They also have not explained how long the infant may have been inside the restroom before being found.
Police previously questioned a Muskegon woman after receiving a tip, according to Michigan State Police information reported by news organizations. She cooperated with investigators and was later eliminated as a suspect. No other possible suspects have been publicly identified.
Authorities have released limited information because the investigation remains active. Michigan State Police Lt. Pat Agema said prematurely disclosing some details could compromise the case. Investigators have not announced what evidence they have collected or whether surveillance recordings, witness accounts or festival records have produced leads.
The Electric Forest festival is held at the Double JJ Resort in Rothbury, a village in Oceana County. The multiday event draws tens of thousands of people and includes large camping areas for attendees. The number of visitors and workers at the site has created a broad pool of possible witnesses for investigators to contact.
The FBI said it is seeking information that could help authorities identify and apprehend those responsible. Tips may be provided to Michigan State Police at 1-855-MICH-TIP. Information may also be submitted to the FBI. The investigation remained open Tuesday, and no arrests had been announced.