UPDATE: Body of newborn baby found in Hiram College bathroom; police pouring over crime scene for evidence

HIRAM, Ohio (WOIO) - Hiram Police received a call at 10:48 a.m. Friday about the body of a newborn baby that was found in the restroom of a residents hall at Hiram College.

Police told 19 News the baby was found in a garbage bag.

The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation is working alongside the department to find answers.

Shannon Ferraby’s lived next to Hiram College for more than a decade.

She’s trying to grasp the reality of the horrifying discovery made Friday morning.

Police say cleaning crews found the baby.

It’s something Ferraby hasn’t been able to share with her own daughter yet.

“I’m not sure I know how to explain to her why a young mommy would chose to do that,” she said.

The school’s president says the baby was found in the Whitcomb residence hall, which houses freshman students.

Dr. Lori Varlotta said, “I’s sad. It’s shocking. Words are really inadequate. Really, we’re in shock.”

Dr. Lori Varlotta says the university does it’s best to provide resources students need so something like this doesn’t have to happen.

“While we’d always like to have more resources, I feel that we offer students a wide array of physical and mental health services here at Hiram college,” she said.

Dr. Lori Varlotta says the college’s dorms are locked, so there shouldn’t be anyone in the restrooms that’s not a student.

Ferraby hopes she never has to see a situation like this again.

“I know that myself and other moms will make sure now that people know there are resources,” Ferraby said.

Remarkably, through her sadness for the baby, Ferraby also has compassion for its mother.

“I’d be happy to talk to her, pray with her, see if she still needs help,” she said. “She probably is scared to tell anyone. That’s a terrible place to be in.”

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