Wallowa Co. investigation continues in baby’s death

ENTERPRISE — Rumors are running rampant in Wallowa County about the identity of the mother of the newborn baby found dead near Minam State Park Monday, but officials are remaining mum.

Wallowa County Sheriff Fred Steen said that he can neither confirm nor deny a rumor that the mother is a 21- year-old woman who lives in La Grande but has ties to Wallowa County.

Both the sheriff’s office and the district attorney’s office have declined to release many details about the case.

The baby, described by Steen as “near full-term,’’ was found by three fishermen from Baker City early Monday afternoon. The child was found alongside a road about a half-mile from the Minam State Park campground.

The Wallowa County Sheriff’s Department has taken the lead on the investigation, supported by the major crimes teams in Wallowa, Baker and Union counties.

Steen has said they are waiting for an autopsy from the Oregon State Medical Examiner in Portland to be conducted to determine the manner and cause of death.