UPDATE On Child Found In Washington County Florida

Rickey Stokes

Viewed: 6353

Posted by: RStokes
thehoustonnewspaper@yahoo.com
334-790-1729
Date: Nov 05 2009 1:01 PM

WASHINGTON CO FL:     Grown men crying.

That is how Washington County Sheriff Bobby Haddock described the reaction of law enforcement officers when they found baby Shannon Dedrick. One of the first calls the law enforcement officers made was to their wives saying the baby has been found alive.

Sheriff Haddock was surrounded by some of the people involved in the case.  From law enforcement, FBI, FDLE, rescue workers and then some.

Sheriff haddock said Susan baker, Shannon’s aunt, and James Dedrick’s half sister became a person of interest. She was a baby sitter and the last person to return the baby to her parents.

Sheriff Haddock said yesterday Susan and James Baker were interviewed again yesterday.  After obtaining a consent to search the two bedroom mobile home of the Baker’s, the 7 month old child was found in a 2 by 3 wooden cedar box under the bed. Sheriff Haddock said the chest was stuffed way under the bed. A lot of stuff was in front of the box to deceive anyone that was looking.

The investigation reveals the child had been in the wooden box for about 12 hours.  There was a blanket and a baking soda box in the wooden box with the baby.

The search of the residence started about 8 PM and at app. 9:55 PM the child was found by a Washington County Sheriff Investigator. The child was rushed to the Northwest Community Hospital in Chipley where she was examined by doctors. The child is in great condition at the hospital.

Each time Baker thought law enforcement would be coming to the residence, Baker would place the child in the cedar box.

The Sheriff said the investigation reveals the mother of the child and the mother met Friday. The mother asked could Baker take permanent custody of the child. The reasons for the hiding is under investigation.

The child had been fed, but there was no bottle in the box with the child. The baking soda was placed to cover the smell of any dirty diapers.

Multiple criminal charges are against the mother of the child, Christina and the aunt of the child, Baker. Mr. James Baker has been released and no charges at this time. Law Enforcement has seen no involvement in the part of the child’s father.

Over 3,700 man hours have been involved in this case. From administrative staff of the department, to corrections officers, to law enforcement officers, all have worked hard in this case.

As soon as the official press release is sent we will update.

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