Mother of LA newborn found buried alive charged with attempted murder

The mother of a newborn baby that was found buried alive under a block of asphalt near a Los Angeles walking path has been identified.

According to inmate records obtained by KTLA, Porche Larona Washington, 33, was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and child endangerment. She was charged Monday with attempted murder and child abuse, the county District Attorney’s office told KTLA.

The arrest comes nearly a week after the infant was discovered by two women, walking on the path, who had heard what they believed to be a cat crying. After the women called 911, police determined the crying was coming from a 2-foot-wide hole in the path’s pavement.

Police removed vegetation and two large pieces of asphalt from the area and found the newborn baby wrapped in a blanket.

According to medical personnel, the baby, who appeared to be 24 to 36 hours old at the time, likely would not have survived the cold night had she not been discovered that day.

Detectives from the Special Victims Bureau determined that Washington had been admitted to the hospital on Nov. 23 and was released three days later. 

The baby has remained under medical supervision in the hospital, but was reported as being in good condition. Once she is released from the hospital, the baby will be placed by the Department of Children and Family Services.

Washington, who is being held in jail on a $500,000 bond, made her first court appearance on Monday. 

Contact Caitlin Lilly at clilly@reviewjournal.com. Find her on Twitter: @caitiesmith