New York Daily News: BRONX, NY – Ten days after two newborns were found dead outside a Bronx apartment building, frustrated police had no lead on the mother’s identity or why the boys were dumped there.
“At this point, we’ve canvassed the building, we’ve canvassed surrounding buildings, we’ve put flyers up, and we’ve viewed video,” said homicide detective Brianna Constantino.
“There’s a $2,500 reward and we’ve not received one phone call to Crime Stoppers in regards to this case. That’s what’s disheartening,” the detective said. “There’s been no significant development.”
The boys, five and six pounds and believed to be full-term twins, were found the afternoon of Nov 9 by the superintendent of an apartment building on College Ave near E 171st St in Claremont.
The race of the boys is not yet clear. The cause of death has also not yet been determined. And if the mother sought medical attention, it wasn’t at any of the hospitals police checked in the city, Westchester and New Jersey.
Police talked to every resident of the 42 apartments in the College Ave. building, as well as those in neighboring buildings. None recalled pregnant woman living or visiting there.
A search of the trash at the crime scene, put out earlier that day ahead of the next day’s pickup, yielded no clues.
Officer Shamika Thomas, assigned to the 44th Precinct detective squad, said even a tedious review of four days of video from a camera trained on the area where the boys were found turned up nothing.
“Whenever it’s children, it’s special — and it’s disheartening,” Thomas said.
“It is tough. We’re their voice now, but we definitely need the community’s help in this one. We need someone who knows something to point us in the (right) direction.”
At the same time, Constantino said, she hopes any pregnant women who find themselves in a difficult position realize they can hand their babies over to various agencies and organizations without reprisal.
“If we save one other person’s life then it’s a good thing,” she said. “Turning tragedy into something better.”
Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 800-577-TIPS. Spanish speakers can call 1-888-577-4782. All calls will be kept confidential.
- Top Feature Photo: Police investigate after the bodies of two babies were found in the rear courtyard of 1460 College Avenue in the Bronx, New York City on Monday, November 9, 2020 –Gardiner Anderson/for New York Daily News
