The 84th infant to be abandoned in Illinois
The little boy was found on the front porch of the private home of Walter Gniadek in August 2007. He was the 84th abandoned infant in the past 6 years in the state.Mr. Gniadek spoke with media saying , “I opened it (the door) slowly, I didn’t know who was out there, I’m scared. I opened the door nice and easy, I see the baby in the cradle with the bags and milk and everything- crying,” said Gniadek, who took the infant inside and called 911. Police and paramedics arrived within minutes.
“It had a note in Spanish. It said ‘Would you take care of my baby?’” said Gniadek.
Mr. Gniadek is a well known figure in his neighborhood for his compassion. Despite the appearance the mother put thought into choosing who to leave her new born with she did not choose to operate within the law. Illinois is one of the states that has baby safe surrender laws. In fact, there was a centre not more than a couple blocks from the Gniadek residence. Therefore she will not be protected under the law when or if she is found.
