HOUSTON — It's been nearly a month since a baby was left in a car seat outside a home in southeast Houston and police still can't find his mother.
On March 21, the 9-month-old was left outside a home along Winthrop Lane near Almeda Genoa Road, just south of Hobby Airport. Detectives said the baby was sitting in a car seat outside the home for nearly six hours before anyone found him.
Police were able to identify the baby's mother as Loretta Faye Norwood, 23.
According to court documents, the baby was dropped off at a doorstep at midnight. Thirty-eight minutes later, Norwood sent a text message to a man saying “Your son outside, tell your mom to get him. Don’t leave your son outside. He is there after the DNA, you can get his papers.”
Court documents stated the man didn’t know the baby was his and he didn’t see the text until 8 a.m. the next day. By then, the woman who lives at the home had already discovered the baby on the porch and called 911. The baby was taken to a hospital where Child Protective Services was called.
Police said several people who know Norwood confirmed the baby is hers.
Since abandoning her child, Norwood has been missing, which is why police are offering a $5,000 reward for any information leading to her whereabouts.
Norwood is wanted for abandoning a child without intent to return. She is about 5 feet, 1 inch tall with brown eyes and black hair.
Anyone with any tips on Norwood's location is urged to call Crime Stoppers at 713-222-8477. Tips can also be submitted online or through the Crime Stoppers mobile app. Only tips and calls directly to Crime Stoppers are anonymous and eligible for a cash reward.
