Shannon Dedrick, the missing 7-month-old baby found under bed in the home of her babysitter, has been placed in protective custody. Baby Shannon was missing for over five days before she was found in a box, under a bed, in the home of Susan Elizabeth Baker. Ms. Baker and the child’s mother have been charged with felony counts of interfering with child custody, false report of a missing child, contributing to the delinquency of a child, and false report of a crime. These women are facing multiple felonies in this case.
You can read more about Shannon Dedrick’s amazing story. and find out how police discovered the missing seven-month-old baby found under a bed in her babysitter’s home. below the jump. Also, check out the press-conference held by the Washington County Sheriff.
The outcome of this case was unexpected according to all who were involved in the search for Shannon. According to reports, the baby was found in a cedar chest measuring two feet by three feet. The child appeared to be well taken care of, but was being actively hidden from the police.
Authorities had been called to the Dedrick home on multiple occasions after Baker had expressed concerns about the safety of the child. Authorities did not take action after it was determined that the child was not being abused or neglected.
It appears that Susan Baker had asked Shannon Dedrick’s mother for custody of the child last Saturday, and baby Shannon was handed over to Baker. The baby was reported missing the same day. This is not the first time Baker has been involved with a missing child story. She is also a suspect, although never charged, in the disappearance of her then three year old step-son. Ms. Baker is Shannon’s paternal aunt. No motive has been given as to why the child was voluntarily handed over and then reported missing.
It is amazing to read that this seven-month-old baby, found under bed in her babysitter’s home, was doing as well as she was. She was found without a bottle, but she was in relatively good condition considering that she was left in a cedar-chest. It will be interesting to find out what the motive behind this strange case is, but the important thing is that Shannon Dedrick was found safe and unharmed after being missing for five days. It seems pretty obvious that the baby’s mother shouldn’t have custody of the baby, but where the baby ultimately will end up is unknown at this point. Thank goodness the baby was found safe.