Police have arrested an Iowa woman and her father after investigators discovered the body of an infant that the woman reportedly gave birth to in February. Megan Staude, 25, and her father, Rodney Staude, 64, are accused of allegedly leaving the baby to die and disposing of its body along Delaware Street in Norwalk.
Authorities began an investigation March 8, KCCI reported, when Staude's coworker contacted police concerned about her baby's welfare. The coworker said the woman was no longer pregnant, but her story "didn't add up." A group of law enforcement officials and volunteers searched for the infant, whose body was ultimately discovered March 9 by cadaver dogs.
Megan Staude's pregnancy was reportedly not a secret.
Coworkers and neighbors reported knowing Staude was pregnant. A neighbor interviewed by KCCI, Chris Hentschel, confirmed the pregnancy to the news outlet. Hentschel said Staude was pregnant but he had no idea she delivered the baby. He added that news of the pair's arrest was disturbing.
"Honestly, I was pretty appalled. Not really surprised though, just cause the vibe they gave," Hentschel said. "They were kinda weird."
The loss of life saddened him. "This newborn baby didn't have anything to do with coming in this world," he said, according to KCCI. "And you're just like, nope, it's not acceptable."
The investigation revealed the baby was born days before searchers discovered the body.
According to a news release for the Norwalk Police Department, Staude and her father disposed of the baby's body, but how the infant died is unclear. KCCI reported that the baby was born full term and alive at birth. The state medical examiner's office conducted an autopsy; the results are pending.
Megan Staude was active on social media as late as Monday afternoon.
Staude continued activity on social media up until her arrest. In the last several weeks, her public Facebook posts are mostly shared recipes, videos, and dedications to a good friend. Her recent history has not mentioned her pregnancy or having a baby. Many took to the comment section of her most recent video to give their opinions on the case.
A lengthy discussion began between commenters about Staude and alleged mental disabilities from people claiming to know her. Some condemned the pair's alleged actions, and others asked for prayers for all involved.
"Are we really going to sit here and defend this woman? She killed an infant! Baby killers don't deserve empathy," someone wrote.
"I'm praying there's way more to the story that we haven't heard yet," another comment reads.
Iowa's Safe Haven Law allows a parent to leave a newborn at a hospital without fear of penalty.
Unity Point Health explains the state's Safe Haven Law is generous and allows an infant's parent, or a person with the parent's permission, to leave a baby at a hospital or health care facility for up to 90 days after the infant's birth without fear of legal repercussions.
According to the law, officials place the infant in the care of the Iowa Department of Human Services. All identifying information about the baby or the parent will be kept confidential.
As the law states, according to Unity Point Health:
"Either parent of a newborn infant whose custody was released under the Safe Haven Act may intervene in court proceedings held regarding the infant and request that the Juvenile Court grant custody of the infant to the parent. The requester must show by clear and convincing evidence that they are the parent of the infant. If the court determines that the person is the parent and that granting custody of the infant is in the infant's best interest, the court will issue an order granting custody to the parent. The court may order services for the infant and parent as are in the best interest of the infant."
The investigation into the infant's death is ongoing.
Police Chief Greg Staples, told WHO13 the pair was arrested and charged with first-degree murder. They were both booked into Warren County Jail.
Police are still trying to determine the father of the infant. Bond details and court information were not known at this time.
