Mother Arrested After Abandonment of Newborn in Riverside

Incident Overview

Over a year has passed since authorities in Riverside discovered a baby abandoned by a dumpster in the rain. The mother has now been arrested, as reported by the Riverside Police Department.

On May 4, 2025, the investigation commenced following a report received by the city’s public safety communications center. They received calls about a baby crying inside a dumpster enclosure at an apartment complex in the 3800 block of Jackson Street.

Discovery and Current Condition

Upon officer arrival, a resident had just discovered the baby. The child was found next to the dumpster, breathing and crying with the umbilical cord still attached. It was left uncovered while raining. Paramedics transported the baby, believed to have been born mere hours earlier, to a local hospital. The current condition of the child remains unclear.

Mother Identified and Arrested

The department’s sexual assault and child abuse detectives took charge of the investigation. They identified the mother as 26-year-old Riverside resident Astrid Nohemi Lopez Ramos. She was arrested on September 17 on suspicion of child endangerment and is now in the Robert Presley Detention Center with bail set at $35,000.

Legal Context

California law allows parents or legal guardians to surrender a newborn within 72 hours of birth, with no questions asked, to ensure the baby’s safety. In Riverside County, this legal surrender can be performed at most hospitals and fire stations.

Contact Information

Authorities request anyone with information regarding this case to contact Det. Jessica Iniguez at (951) 353-7121, or Det. Jarid Zuetel at (951) 826-8714.