Search continues for missing newborn in Orlando

Mother arrested on child neglect charges

ORLANDO, Fla. – Orlando police arrested a woman who gave birth to a baby girl Monday morning and then told investigators she "discarded" the child.

Susan Richardson, 30, faces charges of aggravated child neglect. She's expected to appear before a judge on Wednesday.

The baby has not been found, and a search is ongoing, according to police.

Officers said they were called to the Willow Bend Apartments after someone discovered a possible placenta, umbilical cord and afterbirth in the parking lot.

Investigators found Richardson, who said she "discarded" the baby.

"I came home and I just seen blood everywhere," said Johnny Brian, who told News 6 that he was the baby's father.

He said he arrived home from a doctor's appointment to find his bathroom covered in blood.

He said Richardson told him she miscarried, and he said he believed her until police knocked at the front door.

"I believe she lied," he said. "I don't think she left her baby over there on those doorsteps. I don't believe that. I think she went down the street, and went into labor and left the baby down the street and made it back to the house."

An extensive search, including four teams of dogs, failed to find the baby, whom police are calling Baby Willow.

News 6 investigated and found out Richardson has been arrested at least three other times: twice for domestic violence and once for assaulting police officers.

Orlando police announced Tuesday night that they need the public's help finding the baby.

Investigators said anyone who was in the area of the apartments from 10 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Monday and saw Richardson should contact Crimeline at 800-423-TIPS.

Watch News 6 and stay with ClickOrlando.com for more on this story.
 

 


About the Authors:

Erik Sandoval joined the News 6 team as a reporter in May 2013 and became an Investigator in 2020. During his time at News 6, Erik has covered several major stories, including the 2016 Presidential campaign. He was also one of the first reporters live on the air at the Pulse Nightclub shooting.

Daniel started with WKMG-TV in 2000 and became the digital content manager in 2009. When he's not working on ClickOrlando.com, Daniel likes to head to the beach or find a sporting event nearby.