Report: Columbus mother ‘double-bagged’ newborn before leaving him in dumpster
CNAW2News first broke the news Friday morning after learning of the arrest of a Columbus mother in connection to a newborn baby being found in a dumpster.
The arrest of 22-year-old Zinnia Hernandez came after her newborn baby was found inside of a dumpster on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, at the Budgetel Inn and Suites on Victory Drive.
According to a report from WTVM-TV News Leader 9, the baby was discovered with its umbilical cord and placenta still attached after someone heard the baby crying.
The report from WTVM-TV News Leader 9 claimed Hernandez told investigators she gave birth to a baby boy in her hotel room bathtub on Tuesday morning.
“After doing laundry, she placed the baby, along with the placenta and umbilical cord, into a white and blue trash bag, tied it, then put it into another similar bag. She then left the double-bagged infant in a dumpster, where it remained for about 5.5 to 6 hours,” the report stated.
Columbus Police confirmed the newborn baby boy was taken to Piedmont Columbus Regional’s NICU, where he is in stable condition.
Police are working alongside DFCS to ensure the baby’s safety and determine next steps for care. Hernandez was given a $20,000 bond and is charged with criminal attempt to commit a felony – murder, cruelty to children – first degree, reckless conduct, and abandonment of a dependent child.
Since the investigation began, the Columbus Police Department have reminded the public of Georgia’s Safe Haven Law, which allows a mother to leave her baby, up to 30 days old, at a hospital, fire station, or police station without facing criminal charges, as long as the infant is left with staff. This law exists to ensure the safety and well-being of newborns.
The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information is urged to contact Sgt. B. Waldie at 706-225-4292 or [email protected].
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Arrest made after newborn baby found in Columbus dumpster
Newborn baby found in Columbus dumpster currently receiving treatment at Piedmont’s NICU
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