Three Arrested After Infant Found in Trashcan
Savannah police discovered an abandoned baby in the 7100 block of Abercorn Street.
Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in Babies
Savannah Police Department officers found an abandoned infant in a trashcan on October 10, 2026. Three individuals have been arrested and charged in connection with the incident, and the child is now in the care of state authorities.
Why it matters
The case highlights the severe legal consequences for child abandonment and the role of local law enforcement in protecting vulnerable minors. The infant is currently receiving care through the Department of Human Services' Division of Family and Children Services.
The infant was discovered in the 7100 block of Abercorn Street at 2:45 a.m. Following the event, 29-year-old Dominique Welcome, 39-year-old Chiquita Roche, and 44-year-old Jamal West were taken into custody.
The players
Savannah Police Department
This is the primary law enforcement agency responsible for investigating criminal activity and maintaining public safety within the city of Savannah.
Dominique Welcome
She is one of the three individuals arrested by authorities and faces a charge of cruelty to children.
Chiquita Roche
She was taken into custody on charges of party to a crime and willful obstruction of law enforcement.
Jamal West
He is one of the three suspects detained by police and faces a charge of cruelty to children.
Department of Human Services' Division of Family and Children Services
This state agency is currently providing care and custody for the abandoned infant.
The details
Officers were dispatched to the 7100 block of Abercorn Street following a report of an abandoned infant. The suspects, Dominique Welcome, Chiquita Roche, and Jamal West, face charges including cruelty to children, party to a crime, and willful obstruction of law enforcement.
Timeline
Police responded to the scene at 2:45 a.m. on October 10, 2026.
Culture Shift
This incident marks a stark departure from the protections established under the Georgia Safe Haven Law, which permits parents to surrender infants safely and anonymously at designated medical facilities. The case underscores a tragic divergence from these state-sanctioned protocols for child safety.
While the incident occurred in the 7100 block of Abercorn Street, there are no immediate changes to daily routines for residents in the area. The investigation remains active under case report number 261010011.
The takeaway
The incident serves as a reminder of the critical importance of utilizing safe surrender sites when a parent is unable to care for an infant. Community members in need of assistance can look for designated safe haven locations throughout the state.
Further reading
Learn more about local support services in Savannah babies.
