ROCKINGHAM — Investigators have made an arrest in the death of an infant whose body was found near railroad tracks in East Rockingham a week ago.
The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office announced late Thursday night that 27-year-old Kimberly Dawn Harris has been charged with an open count of murder and concealing or failing to report a death.
The infant’s body was found deceased next to the tracks between 9th Avenue Aleo and South Street on Thursday, Jan. 26 after a call was made to the 911 Center, according to the sheriff’s office.
Several people had reportedly been interviewed and cleared.
On Jan. 31, the RCSO released photos of towels and a box that were found at the scene.
“I want to thank the community for their support and efforts, they have provided numerous leads, helped keep the updates circulating and for (giving) support to our deputies and investigators working this case, when a child is involved, it puts things in a different perspective,” Sheriff Mark Gulledge said in a statement. “I want to especially thank our investigators; they have worked tirelessly around the clock since last Thursday afternoon. Even though we can start the closure process in this case, there are no winners, this is a terrible situation for everyone involved and for the community as a whole.”
Investigators say the case will continue to be open until other leads are followed to make sure no one else is involved.
A candlelight vigil for the baby boy is scheduled for Saturday afternoon at Discount Grocery in East Rockingham.
According to a press release, Harris was being held without bond. However, as of 11:18 p.m., she did not appear in online jail records. Her first appearance in court is currently unknown.
Online state records appear to show Harris has no other pending charges or prior criminal convictions in North Carolina.
All defendants facing criminal charges are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
