American dad, daughter face murder charges after newborn boy intentionally left to die alone in snow

First Degree Murder charges have been filed against Megan Staube, 25, and her father Rodney A. Staude, 64.

By Edward Era Barbacena

A newborn died because of the negligence of the people who are supposed to be taking care of it. This case in not new in the United States and there are quite many cases wherein a newborn died because of the incompetence of parents or guardians have failed to look after it. Majority of these cases are common among white people.   

A white father and white daughter in Norwalk are now charged with murder after the death of a newborn baby.

Investigators say Megan Staude, 25, had the baby at home at the end of February and that she and her dad, Rodney Staude, 64, let the baby die before leaving it along the road.

Police say the baby's body was found along the 5300 block of Delaware Street in Warren County on Thursday, March 9th, after Megan's coworkers called them on Wednesday thinking something was wrong when Megan came back to work and wasn't pregnant anymore.

An autopsy was performed by the Office of the State Medical Examiner and results are still pending.

What is Iowa's safe haven law for newborns?

A parent, or someone with a parent's permission, may leave an infant up to 90 days old at a hospital or health care facility without fear of legal action for abandonment under Iowa law, according to the state Department of Health and Human Services.

A parent also can call 911 and give the child to a first responder. Parents who relinquish their children under the Safe Haven Act are not required to give identification.

Iowa's safe haven law has been in place since 2002 after a teenager in Chelsea gave birth and left the newborn in a snowbank the year prior.

More than 50 newborns have received the safe haven status under the law, according to the human services department.