Update: No arrest expected after fetus found in Modesto dumpster, authorities say
A fetus found in a garbage bin on South Ninth Street in Modesto on Monday was determined to be non-viable outside the womb, having died at 19 weeks, according to Sgt. Nate Crain of the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Office.
The woman believed to be the mother was detained at the scene but is cooperating with authorities. She has not been arrested.
Sgt. Crain confirmed that the coroner’s office ruled the fetus as a case of fetal demise. Authorities believe the mother may have passed the fetus naturally and discarded it out of fear.
The investigation is ongoing as officials continue to gather more information about the incident.
This story was originally published March 8, 2025 at 2:33 PM.
Julietta Bisharyan
The Modesto Bee