Search for 'Baby Willow' gets national attention
ORLANDO, Fla. (WOFL FOX 35) - It’s been more than two weeks since a newborn baby went missing in Orlando. Now, a national children’s advocate group is getting involved in the search for Baby Willow. The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children is turning to social media trying to raise awareness on the case.
Orlando police tell FOX 35 that detectives are still searching for Baby Willow and seeking any and all leads in this case. Now they are getting help from the national children’s advocate.
The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, or NCMEC, is going on Facebook, trying to generate new leads in the disappearance of Baby Willow. Part of this new posting says, “If you or anyone you know has any information about the circumstances of Baby Willow’s birth, or the current whereabouts of Baby Willow, please call 1 800-THE-LOST or the Orlando Police Department.”
Shinneka Watkins lives in the Willow Bend Apartments where police found physical evidence of the baby’s birth in the parking lot back on February 15. Watkins is happy to hear the children’s advocacy group is now involved. “I think that’d be a good idea, because if more people are involved you’ll have more leads. More people will come forward because they heard something- they saw something, so I think it’s a good thing.”
Orlando Police say the baby’s mom, Susan Richardson, told detectives she gave birth to the baby and left her outside an apartment. Richardson is in jail charged with child neglect. Police have used search teams, dogs and dive teams to scour every area near the apartments looking for the missing baby.
Watkins knows police are still working the case. She hopes the new Facebook push will help find the missing baby girl. Watkins adds, “I’m trying to think positive. I hope she’s safe, but from what we can tell it’s probably not good.”
Orlando Police tell FOX 35 they have been in touch with the NCMEC and they appreciate their involvement and their reach in publicizing the case.