Cops still trying to ID abandoned baby found dead in New Jersey 37 years ago

Investigators are looking for leads as they try to solve the mystery surrounding an abandoned infant found dead in South Orange nearly 37 years ago.

The 5-pound boy was found wrapped in a towel and table runner in a wicker picnic basket left on a trash can behind an apartment building at 5 Cottage St. on Nov. 28, 1986, the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office said.

The umbilical cord was still attached to the baby when police were called to the scene the day after Thanksgiving, officials said.

Authorities said the basket might have been purchased from an area store.

State Police say the baby was likely born a day earlier and had blonde hair and blue eyes.

“Detectives intend to use DNA evidence and genetic databases to identify the parents or relatives of the baby, but they ask the public’s assistance in solving the case,” the prosecutor’s office said.

Anyone with information is asked to call the prosecutor’s office at 1-877-TIPS-432 or email [email protected]. Information can be kept confidential.

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Jeff Goldman may be reached at [email protected].