Newborn baby's body unearthed

The Daily Inter Lake

An investigation is under way after the body of a newborn baby was exhumed from the backyard of a Columbia Falls home Saturday.

The name of the mother, who was 17 at the time of the birth two years ago, has not been released. Columbia Falls police Chief Dave Perry said it's not known yet whether the incident is criminal.

The baby was buried behind a home on 10th Avenue West. According to a press release from Columbia Falls police, the burial was made to conceal the birth.

Perry said the teenager has moved out of the area and is cooperating with authorities.

She reportedly contacted a lawyer several months ago and described the incident. The attorney then contacted authorities, leading to the exhumation Saturday.

The University of Montana anthropology department assisted police. The remains of the baby were said to be contained in a cardboard box and wrapped with a blanket.

The body was sent to the Montana State Crime Lab for an autopsy to try to determine the cause of death.