IMPD: Mother of baby found in tree line found, suspected father in custody

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — A week following the discovery of a newborn baby along an east side walking trail, Indianapolis police have found the baby’s teen mother, and arrested a man they believe is the girl’s father.

Hernsley Pierre, 21, faces charges on two counts of sexual misconduct with a minor, online jail records show.

According to the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department, officers found the baby girl in a tree line near a trail along Lace Bark Lane and Long Wharf Drive on Indy’s east side around 11:30 p.m. July 24.

The baby, who was being cared for at Riley Hospital for Children, was in stable condition as of Friday.

Detectives sought community help in locating the mother, who was eventually found on Tuesday and received medical care.

A probable cause affidavit says the mother, 16, identified Pierre as the father. Police noted the teen saying Pierre lived in her apartment complex and had been seeing him since January. She also told officers that she’d “had sex with (him) multiple times while at his house,” but had not seen him in “at least two months.”

Investigators also learned from the mother that she and Pierre were not aware of the pregnancy.

Court documents say detectives eventually met with Pierre on Thursday while he was at the hospital visiting the 16-year-old.

In speaking with officers, Pierre confirmed the 16-year-old was his girlfriend, but claimed the baby wasn’t his. He was reportedly unaware of the pregnancy until the teen called him, stating she was in the hospital.

IMPD says Pierre stated he was not aware of the girl’s age, as she reportedly told him she was about to turn 18. “He only found out she was 15 because he was picking her up from high school, and found out she was a sophomore,” the affidavit says.

Pierre reportedly told police he didn’t stop having sex with the teen after learning her age, despite knowing it was illegal.

“Everyone in the world knows it’s illegal to have sex with minors,” Pierre told police.

Pierre was listed as an inmate in the Marion County jail Friday morning. An initial court appearance date has not been set.

IMPD says they are still uncovering the circumstances around the incident. Anyone with information was asked to contact the IMPD Child Abuse Division at 317-327-6875 or by contacting Crime Stoppers.

Help is available for victims of domestic violence, child abuse, and sexual assault. Below is a list of suggested resources, both national and local:

• National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-7233 or text START to 88788
• National Domestic Violence Hotline en español: 800-799-7233 o texto “START” al 88788
• Indiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence: 24-hour hotline available at 800-332-7385
• Indiana Coalition to End Sexual Assault and Human Trafficking
• National Center for Missing & Exploited Children
• Firefly Children & Family Alliance
• La Plaza Indy
• The Julian Center
• Indiana Child Abuse Hotline: 800-800-5556
• National Sexual Assault Hotline: 800-656-4673

About The Author

See author's posts