ANDERSON, SC – The mother of an abandoned newborn that died after being left in a wooded area in Anderson County has been arrested and charged with murder.
According to Lt. Sheila Cole with the Anderson County Sheriff’s Department, Joanie Faith Holcombe, 23 has been charged with an additional count of unauthorized removal of a dead body as well as the murder charge.
Cole reports that Saturday morning deputies were notified of an infant that was found near Cherokee Cir. and Sioux St. in a wooded area. Once at the scene, deputies discovered that the infant was a dead newborn.
Holcombe was located by law enforcement, and she confessed to the child’s death and self-handled burial.
Anderson County Sheriff John Skipper said following the arrest, “I don’t know this young mother’s exact situation, but I do know that others who find themselves with an unwanted newborn have viable options. One option is guaranteed by the South Carolina Safe Haven Law.”
By law, a person can leave their baby, up to 30 days old, with an attendant at any hospital, emergency medical services provider, law enforcement agency, fire station, or worship center.
Due to health issues, Holcombe will have a bond hearing Tuesday. She is currently being held at the Anderson County Detention Center.
For more information on laws relating to this case, you can contact the Baby Safe Haven confidential hotline at 1-888-510-BABY.
