Prosecutor: Danbury woman charged with murder left newborn in remote dumpster in 2018
The case dates back to October 2018 when workers at a trash and recycling facility in Stamford found a dead newborn boy there. The investigation ended up leading Stamford detectives to Danbury, where police said the baby was killed.
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A Danbury woman who was recently arrested on a charge of murder with special circumstances is accused of killing her own baby nearly eight years ago.
Dominique Harrison, 28, of Danbury, was arraigned in Danbury Superior Court on Monday. The prosecution said the case “paints a picture of a level of depravity that is nearly inconceivable."
“The facts allege she put that newborn baby son alive in a dumpster in a remote area so that no one could save that baby's life,” Assistant State’s Attorney Mary-Caitlin Harding told the court.
The case dates back to Oct. 16, 2018, when Stamford police were called to City Carting after workers discovered a dead baby boy. Police said at the time that the child's body had been brought there by one of the many trucks dumping trash and recyclables daily.
The investigation ultimately led Stamford detectives to Danbury, where police said the killing occurred.
On Thursday, Danbury police announced Harrison was arrested on a charge of murder with special circumstances connected to human remains found in Stamford in 2018. But police declined to release further details and said Harrison's arrest warrant had been sealed due to the ongoing investigation.
In court, Harding said she couldn't discuss the evidence but that the case against Harrison is strong. Harding also stated that after several police interviews, Harrison admitted to leaving the child in a dumpster. Harding told the judge that further serious charges against Harrison are expected.
“The state believes this defendant is a danger to society and in light of all the facts and circumstances here, Your Honor, the state's asking for a $2.5 million bond,” Harding stated.
Judge Sean McGuinness agreed, raising Harrison’s bond from $750,000, which was the bail commissioner’s recommendation. That’s despite her attorney’s request that it be lowered.
Attorney Francisco Cardona said his client was born and raised in Danbury, graduated from high school and has been working towards a bachelor’s degree. He noted she has no prior criminal record. Cardona also said Harrison has support from her family, who were present in the courtroom.
Harrison was emotional throughout the hearing. Cardona requested that she be put on suicide watch and receive mental health treatment while in custody.
Harrison is due back in court on July 31.
PRIOR COVERAGE: Newborn found dead inside garbage facility in Stamford
Police narrow down source of dead baby found at recycling plant
