LEESBURG, Va. — Police are investigating after a dead late-term fetus was found in a pond in Leesburg Monday afternoon.
According to the Leesburg Police Department, the fetus was found by people living in the area just after 4:30 p.m. in a pond behind Park Gate Drive.
Detectives say the investigation into what happened is being treated with the "utmost seriousness and sensitivity."
The area was secured while officers investigated and the fetus was taken to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner of Virginia, for an autopsy.
"This is a deeply tragic situation," said Leesburg Police Chief Thea Pirnat. "We urge anyone with information to come forward, not just for the sake of the investigation, but also to ensure that those in need are provided appropriate medical attention and services."
Anyone with information is asked to call the Leesburg Police Department.
"Confidentiality will be respected, and any information provided will be handled with the utmost discretion," the department said in a press release.
Virginia Safe Haven laws allow a parent to safely surrender an unharmed infant who is 30 days or younger to staff at a designated Safe Haven location. Those locations are:
- A hospital that provides 24-hour emergency services
- An attended Emergency Medical Services (EMS) agency that employs emergency medical personnel, such as some fire stations or rescue squads
- A newborn safety device located at and operated by such hospital or emergency medical services agency
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