Monterey County authorities are investigating after the body of a newborn infant was found early Saturday near a rural road outside Moss Landing, California. Deputies from the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report from a caller who said an infant had been discovered in the area. Firefighters pronounced the baby deceased at the scene.

An agricultural worker who came upon the infant described seeing significant blood and noted that the umbilical cord was still attached. Local residents have since created a memorial at the location where the child was found, though the infant’s identity and gender remain unknown.

Law enforcement officials have not released further details regarding the investigation and have not publicly identified any suspects. Efforts to reach the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office for comment were unsuccessful. Neighbors in the vicinity reported a large police presence and forensic teams conducting examinations throughout Saturday.

Residents expressed sadness and concern following the incident. Carla Mata, who lives nearby, described the scene as heavily policed and emotionally distressing. Another local resident, Frank Sanchez, urged the mother of the infant to come forward, emphasizing that other resources were available and expressing sympathy for the child.

In a separate development, the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office also discovered an unrelated body approximately 17 miles from the site where the infant was found. Officials have not released information about the second victim or indicated whether the two cases are connected. Investigations into both incidents are ongoing.