Mother Arrested After Infant Found Abandoned by Dumpster in Riverside

Over a year since authorities discovered a baby left exposed to rain by a dumpster, Riverside police have detained the child’s mother. The events unfolded on May 4, 2025, following a report received by the Riverside public safety communications center. Neighbors had heard a baby crying from inside a dumpster enclosure located in an apartment complex on the 3800 block of Jackson Street, according to a statement from the Riverside Police Department.

Upon arriving, officers noted that a resident had just discovered the newborn. The infant was next to a dumpster, crying and breathing, with the umbilical cord still attached. Uncovered and vulnerable, the baby had been exposed to rain. Paramedics quickly transported the newborn, suspected to have been born hours earlier, to a local hospital. Details regarding the child’s current condition remain unavailable. Attempts to contact the Riverside Police Department for further comments on Friday night were unsuccessful.

Detectives specializing in sexual assault and child abuse initiated an investigation leading to the identification of the child’s mother, Astrid Nohemi Lopez Ramos, 26, residing in Riverside. Authorities apprehended Lopez Ramos on September 17, under suspicion of child endangerment, subsequently booking her into the Robert Presley Detention Center, with bail set at $35,000.

Individuals with information pertinent to this case are encouraged to contact Det. Jessica Iniguez at (951) 353-7121 or Det. Jarid Zuetel at (951) 826-8714.

California law allows a parent or guardian to safely surrender a newborn within 72 hours of birth without facing questioning, ensuring the child’s safety and well-being. In Riverside County, most hospitals and fire stations serve as designated safe surrender sites.