‘Depravity that is nearly inconceivable’: 8 years ago, a newborn was found in a Connecticut dumpster. Now, his mother is charged with murder

Dominique Harrison, a 28-year-old resident of Danbury, Connecticut, appeared in Danbury Superior Court on Monday, June 22, to face a charge of murder with special circumstances. This legal proceeding comes eight years after the remains of a newborn boy were discovered at a waste collection center in Stamford in October 2018.

According to FOX 61, prosecutors stated that Harrison admitted to the crime after being questioned by investigators on multiple occasions. During the arraignment, Deputy Assistant State’s Attorney Mary Caitlin Harding provided a stark description of the circumstances surrounding the case. “Your Honor, the case before you paints a picture of a level of depravity that is nearly inconceivable,” Harding told the court.

During the hearing, Harding emphasized that the act was intentional, noting that the location was chosen to prevent any possibility of intervention. “The facts allege she put that newborn baby son alive in a dumpster in a remote area so that no one could save that baby’s life,” Harding said. 

The Investigation was launched immediately after the remains were found

News 12 reported that the discovery of the infant in 2018 occurred after a truck delivered trash and recyclables to the Stamford facility, where the remains were subsequently found. While authorities have not publicly detailed the specific methods used to link Harrison to the child, police confirmed that an investigation was launched immediately following the discovery. 

Per FOX 61, the investigation into the infant’s death was extensive and eventually traced the origin of the crime to a location approximately 30 miles away in Danbury. Prosecutors allege that Harrison gave birth to the child and subsequently placed the newborn in a dumpster located in a remote area. As noted by News 12, officers with the Danbury Police Department officially arrested Harrison on Thursday, June 18.

During the arraignment, Harding noted, “She gave interviews after arrest that are leading to additional investigations as well.” FOX 61 reported that as a result, the prosecution has stated that additional serious charges could potentially be filed as the investigation continues to develop. Harding added. Following that, the state argued that Harrison represents a significant danger to the community, leading them to request a $2.5 million bond. 

Per News 12, Judge Sean McGuinness agreed and ultimately set the bond at that amount, increasing it from the initial $750,000 recommendation made by the bail commissioner. Harrison’s attorney, Francisco Cardona, reportedly argued against the characterization of his client. 

He highlighted that she was born and raised in Danbury, graduated from high school, and was actively pursuing a bachelor’s degree at the time of her arrest. “The state may paint her as a threat to society, but I don’t think that’s the case. I don’t believe that’s the case,” attorney McGuigan, who was also representing the defense, stated during the proceedings, per FOX 61. “She had been active in the community and has been able to maintain full-time employment.”

The defense team emphasized that Harrison possesses no prior criminal record. According to News 12, Cardona also noted that she has the support of her family as she navigates these serious charges. FOX 61 additionally noted that when Harrison entered the courtroom, some of her family were seen leaving in tears. 

The reports highlight that Harrison’s arrest warrant is sealed because of the ongoing investigation. As a result, the prosecution also noted that they are currently unable to discuss all the collected evidence. However, they have expressed confidence in the strength of their case, with Harding stating, “The facts all will point to the fact that this defendant murdered her newborn child.”

As the case moves forward, the state has expressed confidence in the strength of its evidence. “The facts all will point to the fact that this defendant murdered her newborn child,” Harding stated. While the prosecution noted that they are currently unable to discuss all collected evidence in a public forum, they maintained that additional serious charges could potentially be filed as the investigation continues to develop.

According to News 12, Harrison’s legal team has requested that she be placed on suicide watch while she remains in custody, and receive mental health treatment while in custody. Harrison is scheduled to return to court on July 31 to continue the legal process. 

Last year, a baby was abandoned in a motel dumpster in Georgia, although in this instance, a passerby heard the baby’s cries, and police were able to rescue the child. Earlier this year, an Arizona woman was charged with murder after DNA tied her to the 45-year-old cold case of a dead newborn.