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www.electricforestfestival.com photo
By Allison Scarbrough, News Editor
ROTHBURY — As the investigation into the death of an infant found inside a porta-potty at the Electric Forest Festival June 28 continues, the prosecutor in the case urges community members to be cautious about believing some reports and social media posts.
“I have read information released to various outlets and social media that have been inaccurate to the point of interfering with the proper conduct of this investigation,” said Oceana County Prosecuting Attorney Joseph Bizon.
“Much of the information lacks context, and people are drawing inaccurate and premature conclusions from information that has been released. Information that has come from the MSP (Michigan State Police) investigative team has been released to further the investigation. Public documents are what they are, but people do not always understand what they mean. Any other information that has been released has been released with someone else’s personal agenda and people should be cautious of what they believe.”
WOOD TV 8 reported that the death certificate filed with the Oceana County Clerk’s Office states that the baby was a girl.
“This is an intensely complex investigation — the detectives are doing great work. The work continues, and I look forward to working with the detectives to complete their investigation.
“I have been working well with the MSP investigation team. We have been working well and communicating well.”
WOOD TV 8 reported that a Hudsonville man has filed a petition with the Oceana County Probate Court for custody of the baby’s remains to ensure a proper burial.
“One of the items that WOOD has reported on is the final disposition of the remains,” said Bizon. “I am expecting the probate court to hold a hearing on the possibilities. I am aware that some well-intentioned people have come forward with a proposal, and I am also aware that there are state laws that contemplate this situation and provide for such outcomes.”
The Federal Bureau of Investigation has joined the investigation and is offering a $15,000 reward “for information leading to the identification, arrest and conviction of the individual or individuals involved in the death of the infant,” states the FBI.
“Anyone with information regarding this investigation is urged to contact the Michigan State Police by calling 1-855-MICHTIP. You may also contact your local FBI office, the nearest American Embassy or Consulate, or you can submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov.”
Anonymous tips can also be submitted online here.
MSP announced earlier this month that a Muskegon area woman was eliminated as a suspect. MSP received a tip about the woman who attended the festival. According to MSP, investigators identified and interviewed the woman, who was fully cooperative throughout the investigation.
MSP has also asked that people “avoid speculation on social media out of respect for the investigation and those affected.”
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