$5K reward for information about baby found dead in Wheaton

The DuPage County sheriff’s office announced Thursday that a $5,000 reward is being offered for information leading to the mother of Baby Hope, who was found dead in west suburban Wheaton last month.

The body was found in a backpack about 2:45 p.m. Aug. 15 near a private drive off the 25W400 block of Plamondon Road in unincorporated Wheaton, according to the DuPage County sheriff’s and coroner’s offices.

An autopsy did not rule on the cause or manner of the child’s death, with final results pending further investigation. Her identity remains unknown, though investigators believe the child was white, Hispanic or Asian.

The sheriff’s office is also releasing new images of the worn Everest backpack the baby was found in and are asking anyone who recognizes it to call the sheriff’s office.

“We are taking all leads and information from the public very seriously as we investigate this case,” Major Dan McCarthy said in the statement.

“We believe someone in the community has information that is crucial in finding Baby Hope’s parents and we are calling on that person to come forward. Your information will not only help us, but Baby Hope’s mother, as we are concerned for her at this time,” he added.

A $5,000 reward is being offered by the Illinois Crime Commission and Jerry Elsner. Anyone with information should call sheriff’s police at (630) 407-2400 or text “274637” with the word SHERIFF and the message. Tips can be left anonymously.