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OCP file photo
By Allison Scarbrough, News Editor
HART — The Oceana County probate judge is considering a petition from an Ottawa County man to authorize him to take custody of the baby girl’s remains that were found in a porta-potty at Electric Forest last June.
Judge Eric R. Fox held a hearing Thursday, Aug. 27, in Oceana County Probate Court regarding Travis Byrnes’ petition aimed at providing a proper burial for Baby Doe.
“The judge and everyone else expressed appreciation for this person to come forward with this generous offer,” said Oceana County Prosecuting Attorney Joseph Bizon.
“The judge has concerns about finding someone related to the child and their potential interest in family or cultural customs that may be appropriate—someone who may not even know they are related.
“The judge took this under advisement to consider the offer and these other potential interests as they relate to the applicable statutes,” said Prosecutor Bizon. “The judge is reviewing the laws and options and will issue a decision at a later date.”
The investigation of Baby Doe’s death is ongoing.
Michigan State Police are investigating the death following the discovery of the infant’s remains in the camping area during Sunday morning of the four-day music festival that attracts tens of thousands of people. The grisly discovery has sent shock waves throughout the local community, gaining nationwide media attention.
According to MSP, Baby Doe’s body was found inside a porta-potty by an employee of the restroom servicing company who was performing routine maintenance, June 28.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation is assisting the Michigan State Police in the investigation and is offering a reward of up to $15,000 for information leading to the identification, arrest and conviction of the individual or individuals involved in Baby Doe’s death.
“The investigation is progressing. The detectives are confident, but this will take time,” said Bizon.
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