Mother sentenced for leaving ‘Baby Noel’ in trash
PHILADELPHIA (AP) — A Philadelphia woman has been found guilty of endangering the welfare of a child for leaving her newborn baby in the trash outside a daycare days before Christmas last year.
The Philadelphia Inquirer reports 33-year-old Patricia Crawley was also convicted Friday of reckless endangerment and simple assault. She was acquitted of attempted murder and aggravated assault.
Investigators say a custodian found the baby in the trash outside the north Philadelphia daycare four days before Christmas. Crawley told police she was high on crack when she gave birth. Defense attorney Patrick Link says his client’s “moral compass that day was not completely intact.”
The baby had been dubbed “Baby Noel” due to her discovery over the holidays.
Sentencing is scheduled for Dec. 10.
WHYY is your source for fact-based, in-depth journalism and information. As a nonprofit organization, we rely on financial support from readers like you. Please give today.