Fetus, not newborn, left in Barton County pond, autopsies show

The dead body of what appeared to be a newborn baby has puzzled and captivated the Barton County community ever since it was found in a pond there last month, officials say.

While the case remains, in many ways, a mystery, one detail has come to light: The baby was stillborn.

That was confirmed by two independent forensic exams, the Barton County Coroner said.

Dr. C. Tucker Joustra explained that because it was not born alive, the fetus was never legally a person.

Disposing of fetal tissue is not a crime, but the case will continue to be investigated regardless, said Barton County Sheriff Mitchell Shaw.

View Full Story Here:
http://www.news-leader.com/story/news/local/ozarks/2016/08/22/autopsies-shed-little-light-fetus-left-barton-county-pond/89115194/