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OCP photo/Oceana County Courthouse in Hart
By Allison Scarbrough, News Editor
HART — The remains of an unidentified baby girl found dead inside a porta-potty at the Electric Forest Festival in Rothbury, June 28, will be buried in an Ottawa County cemetery.
Oceana County Probate Judge Eric Fox issued an order Thursday, Oct. 15, ruling that Baby Doe’s remains be placed in custody of Travis Byrnes of Hudsonville who plans to bury the baby’s remains in Georgetown Cemetery.
Retired New Era Police Chief Roy Strait also petitioned the court for custody of the baby’s remains with plans to bury her in Pine Grove Cemetery in Claybanks Township.
Judge Fox’s opinion and order and appoints Byrnes as a special fiduciary. A fiduciary is a person or organization legally and ethically bound to act in the best interests of another person or principal, putting those interests ahead of their own.
“The petitioners, Leroy Strait and Travis Byrnes both request appointment as special fiduciary for the limited purpose of arranging a dignified burial,” states the judge’s order. “The court is grateful to both petitioners for the compassion that prompted their involvement in this matter.”
In his opinion and order, Judge Fox states that he selected Byrnes’ burial location over Strait’s due to location.
Winter scene of Georgetown Cemetery courtesy of Georgetown Township.
“The court places greater weight on the general accessibility of the gravesite to family members who may someday be identified and wish to visit the child’s final resting place. Although their identities and residences are presently unknown, the court finds that Georgetown Cemetery offers better general accessibility for that purpose,” the judge writes.
“The court emphasizes that there was no wrong choice presented here. Both petitioners offered thoughtful, appropriate, and commendable arrangements for the burial of this child. Considering all the circumstances, the court finds that Byrnes has presented the preferable arrangement.”
Byrnes’ appointment as fiduciary is subject to several conditions, including that the body is not cremated and that the burial cannot occur until the medical examiner and investigating agencies “confirm completion of all necessary autopsy, forensic, evidentiary, DNA, toxicological, and other investigative procedures.” He is also responsible for all burial expenses.
It also orders that Byrnes consents to allowing the body to be exhumed by authorities if the investigation requires it. Also, if the baby is identified, he consents to disinterment and reburial by the baby’s family.
The investigation into the baby’s death that sent shockwaves throughout the local community and gained national media attention continues.
“I get regular updates from the detectives, and it is moving forward,” said Oceana County Prosecuting Attorney Joseph Bizon earlier this week regarding the investigation.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation is assisting the Michigan State Police in the investigation and is offering a $15,000 reward.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the Michigan State Police by calling 1-855-MICHTIP. You can also contact the local FBI office, the nearest American Embassy or Consulate, or submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov.
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