Police are investigating the death of a baby girl whose body was found inside Idaho’s only Safe Haven Baby Box in Blackfoot earlier this month.

The Safe Haven Baby box is installed at Grove Creek Medical Center at 350 N Meridian St. in Blackfoot and is meant to serve as an option for parents to anonymously surrender a newborn child.

Blackfoot police officers responded to the medical center on Oct. 13 for the report of a deceased infant that was left in the box installed at the medical center, as is standard procedure in cases involving suspicious deaths, according to a Monday news release from the Twin Falls Police Department.

Safe Haven Baby Boxes and Grove Creek Medical Center released a subsequent joint news release on Monday stating that the newborn child was already dead when it was placed inside the box, which was installed earlier this year.

“It is with heavy hearts we share the tragic news that a deceased infant was placed in our Idaho Safe Haven Baby Box,” the joint news release said. “Grove Creek Medical Center staff responded immediately to the alarm, indicating a baby was in the box. The medical team removed the infant from the bassinet within a minute. Upon removal, they quickly realized that the infant had passed away long before being placed in the baby box.”

The Twin Falls Police Department has since assumed responsibility for the investigation because it’s believed the baby girl or the family who surrendered her is from the Twin Falls area, authorities told the Idaho State Journal on Monday.

According to Safe Haven Baby Boxes, the way the baby box was used in Blackfoot was not in accordance with Idaho laws.

“The Safe Haven Law in Idaho allows for the surrender of an infant who is unharmed and healthy,” Safe Haven Baby Box said in the joint news release. “Therefore, this was not a legal surrender under state law as it does not meet the criteria for Safe Haven surrender.”

Safe Haven Baby Box Founder Monica Kelsey posted the following statement to social media Monday, which was also included in the joint news release:

“We are heartbroken. Let this be clear: this is an illegal, deadly abandonment. Anonymity is only allowed when an infant is safely surrendered completely unharmed. We are fully cooperating with the investigation and providing all information we possess to local authorities. When the baby was placed in the box, she was wrapped in a blanket with the placenta still attached.”

Bingham County Coroner Jimmy Roberts told the Journal on Tuesday that the Ada County Coroner’s Office conducted the autopsy of the baby girl on Oct. 15, though it could be months before the Bingham County Coroner’s Office receives a full report of that autopsy because of the multitude of tests that need to be run.

Grove Creek Medical Staff, according to the joint news release, are working closely with authorities regarding the investigation.

“We’re incredibly grateful for our dedicated team, who responded within moments to the Safe Haven Baby Box alarm and gave their all in a heartbreaking situation,” the joint news release said. “Though this infant was already deceased when abandoned, our staff showed deep compassion and commitment to care. Their actions mean everything to us, and we’re so proud of the way they honor every life they touch. At Grove Creek, we’re here to help spread awareness about safe options for infant surrender, including the Safe Haven Baby Box. We’re committed to making sure anyone facing a difficult time knows they’re not alone. Our team is ready with open arms and caring support for anyone in need. Thank you to our amazing staff for everything they do to keep our community safe and loved.”

Since 2017, over 50 infants have been lovingly surrendered at baby box locations throughout the U.S., Safe Haven Baby Boxes said in the joint news release.

“These babies have gone on to be quickly adopted by families who have eagerly awaited the chance to adopt an infant,” the news release said. “When utilized, the program saves lives and protects women in crisis. However, in any situation where the Safe Haven Law is violated, our organization will work diligently with law enforcement for justice for the infant who is illegally abandoned.”

The Twin Falls Police Department extended “heartfelt condolences to the family and community affected by this loss. The health and safety of our community’s children remain our top priority.”