Death of baby found in a pond near Lamar investigated as a homicide

Authorities are investigating the death of a baby found in a southwest Missouri farm pond as a homicide.

The Joplin Globe reports that it could be several weeks before authorities release the findings of an autopsy. The examination was performed Tuesday on the newborn baby girl, whose body was discovered Monday in a pond about three miles southeast of Lamar.

Missouri State Highway Patrol Sgt. John Lueckenhoff says the investigation into the identities of the child and her mother is ongoing. The Barton County Sheriff's Department, the state patrol and the Southwest Missouri Major Case Squad also are trying to determine how the baby wound up in the pond.

Authorities are asking that anyone with information about the infant to call the sheriff's office.

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Information from: The Joplin (Mo.) Globe, http://www.joplinglobe.com