Mom gave birth to baby in New Hampshire woods, left newborn in freezing tent – Boston 25 News

MANCHESTER, N.H. — The adopted daughter of a former Boston Red Sox pitcher died Sunday night after her newborn baby was found undressed, frozen and alone in the dark in a wooded area of ​​New Hampshire. They are facing charges, officials said.

Alexandra Eckersley, 26, was arraigned Tuesday in North Hillsboro Superior Court on charges including endangering the welfare of a child, tampering with physical evidence, second-degree assault and reckless conduct, officials said. rice field.

Responding to a report of a woman who gave birth to a baby in a tent in the woods near Manchester’s Westside Arena just before 1 a.m., officers searched the area for an hour on instructions from Eckersley, but their efforts were unsuccessful. Manchester City Fire Commissioner Ryan Cassin said:

The mother of the newborn, whom Manchester deputy chief David Flury identified as the adopted daughter of MLB Hall of Fame pitcher Dennis Eckersley, finally revealed the baby’s true whereabouts after lying to police.

“When they got to the scene, the child’s mother told multiple locations where the baby was, stating that she couldn’t remember where the baby was, before the mother finally stated that the baby was there, multiple times. We searched for the child in different places: the tent where the mother lived,” Kashin explained.

The baby was found uncovered on the floor of a tent near the Piscataquag River on Electric Street and struggling to breathe, according to the Manchester Fire Department. Efforts were then made to warm the baby and he was taken to a local hospital for additional treatment.

Investigators noted that it was about 18 degrees when the baby was rescued.

“As soon as the baby was picked up, our fire department and members of the American Medical Response handed the baby over and immediately warmed him up as much as possible in the backseat of the fire truck and drove him to the hospital.

Cashin said his quick emergency response “save the baby’s life.”

“I didn’t know I was pregnant and felt like I had to use the restroom,” Eckersley told the paramedic, according to an affidavit. She went on to estimate that she would have the child late on Christmas night.

When detectives asked her why she left the baby in the tent, Eckersley replied, Protect yourself first. ”

A Manchester police officer said in an affidavit that Eckersley appeared to be under the influence of drugs.

“A mother’s responsibility was to her child, and that responsibility was clearly ignored,” Kashin added. “There was no heat source at all in the tent…obviously she didn’t get close to where the baby was. She was in a lot of pain and was very elusive.”

Prosecutors said Eckersley hopes to comply with law enforcement advances.

“If she posts bail, the state will monitor her to make sure she complies with all the conditions set by the judge,” said Carl Hillsborough County Attorney’s Office. Deputy County Attorney Olson said. “If she violates any of the terms, we will file a motion to revoke her bail. We hope she remains compliant.”

Alexandra’s father, Dennis, pitched in some of eight seasons for the Red Sox and spent years in the NESN broadcast booth. He announced his retirement from broadcasting earlier this year.

Investigation is ongoing.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

download Free Boston 25 News App For breaking news alerts.

Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook, twitter| | Watch Boston 25 news now

©2022 Cox Media Group