Body Found in Missouri Farm Pond Was That of Stillborn Baby

Authorities say the body that was found last month in a southwest Missouri farm pond was that of a stillborn baby.

The Springfield News-Leader reports that the determination was made through two independent forensic exams of the 4 pound, 4 ounce body. Barton County Sheriff Mitchell Shaw says disposing of fetal tissue is not a crime, although the investigation continues.

Barton County Coroner C. Tucker Joustra says the body's decomposition showed it had been in the pond for about three days when it was found last month. The pond is located in a rural area about three miles southeast of Lamar.

Shaw says authorities still don't know who put the body in the pond or why. The sheriff says there's likely a mother and father who need help.