Malnourished baby found living inside plastic container

(Morristown - WABC, October 10, 2007) (WABC) -- A 5-month old baby was found living in deplorable conditions in Morristown.

Authorities say the child was so malnourished that the neighbor who discovered her thought she was a newborn. Police say the baby also suffered a broken leg and other injuries. Now the baby's parents are facing charges.

New Jersey reporter Anthony Johnson has the story.

The family moved to the community of Budd Lake a few months ago, apparently from New York. The child in question had never been to the hospital and officials say it appears she was never cared for.

"I've heard those children cry over there, the babies, in the heat, left out there," neighbor Dolores Hoffman said.

The house where the baby was found is located at the rear of another home. The yard is full of toys and the front entrance has piles of clothes near the door.

Authorities say a neighbor entered the house to check on the mother. She went upstairs, where she found a plastic container filled with bedding material. She then noticed a small hand protruding through the foam and carried out a small baby.

The little girl reportedly looked like she was 10 to 14 days old. The neighbor took the child to the hospital, where doctors say she had an extended stomach, fractured tibia, diaper rash and burns on her body and head.

Neighbors say the family never took care of the child, who when found smelled like urine and feces.

The family actually has four other children, ages 1 to 7. The parents will be in court tomorrow to face charges of endangering the welfare of a child.

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