Investigation underway after baby found dead in Perris

PERRIS, Calif. (KABC) -- Homicide detectives are investigating the death of baby found in a Perris apartment, Riverside County sheriff's deputies said.

Officials said investigators responded to a report of a baby killed in the 900 block of D Street Thursday afternoon.

A Riverside County sheriff's deputy made the grim discovery of the body of an infant inside one of the second-floor apartments.

Neighbor Renee Jones is the one who alerted the deputy while out running an errand. She said she noticed a strong odor coming from the apartment.

Neighbors of the infant's mother said the woman was recently pregnant. Authorities could not confirm to Eyewitness News how old the infant was or how the child died.

Deputies said they took the baby's mother into protective custody but did not confirm whether she was under arrest. One neighbor, who did not want to be identified, said the mother put up a fight as deputies tried to place her in a patrol car.

The mother's 2-year-old daughter was taken away by Child Protective Service, according to sheriff's officials.

Neighbors told Eyewitness News the woman was pregnant up until a few weeks ago, but that she refused to get any medical attention.

"When I asked her when she was due she said she didn't know. When I asked, 'Have you been to the doctor?' She said no, she had no need to go to the doctor," said one neighbor.

Jones said she often spoke to the woman, and believed she suffered from mental problems.

She said many of her neighbors spoke to management at the apartment complex, concerned about the woman's daughter and unborn child.

"A lot of times you just don't want to tell on nobody, but I knew there was something wrong with that lady," she said. "She is demon-possessed, literally."

Authorities said CPS visited the apartment three days ago but left a card without making contact with the mother.