Mother Arrested After Infant Found Dead in South Los Angeles
The four-month-old girl was discovered in a dumpster by a resident on Monday night.
Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in Babies
Police have arrested 19-year-old Takiyah Babers for murder following the death of her four-month-old daughter. The infant was discovered in a dumpster outside a South Los Angeles housing project late Monday.
Why it matters
This tragic incident marks a severe outcome for a family following a scheduled transfer of care. Authorities are now reviewing the circumstances leading to the infant's death.
The suspect, Takiyah Babers, is being held on $2 million bail. The four-month-old victim was discovered at 10:30 p.m. on Monday after being left at the location earlier that day.
The players
Takiyah Babers
The 19-year-old mother who has been arrested and charged in connection with the death of her infant daughter.
Laura Lacy
The foster grandmother of the infant who transported the child to the housing project.
Herman Johnson
The foster grandfather of the infant who participated in the drop-off of the child.
Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office
The local agency currently tasked with reviewing the evidence to determine formal charges in the case.
The details
The infant was left at a South Los Angeles housing project by her foster grandparents, Laura Lacy and Herman Johnson, on Monday. Later that evening, a resident discovered the child in a dumpster at approximately 10:30 p.m. The infant was subsequently transported to a hospital where she was pronounced dead.
Timeline
September 28, 2026: The foster grandparents dropped off the baby at the project.
September 28, 2026, 10:30 p.m.: The infant was discovered in a dumpster.
The Home Front
This case sits at the center of oversight requirements regarding the hand-off of children between foster placements and biological relatives. It underscores the high stakes of current local protocols governing child custody transfers.
Families navigating foster or biological care transitions should ensure all contact points and hand-off procedures are documented with the appropriate agency. Please consult with your assigned caseworker to confirm all protocols for child transfers are being followed.
The takeaway
This tragedy emphasizes the importance of strictly adhering to formal, agency-monitored child transfer procedures. Local families should ensure they have updated contact information for their county case workers on file at all times.
Further reading
Learn more about local support services and safety resources in our guide to Babies.
