Cherlie LaFleur, 19, was arraigned Wednesday night on a misdemeanor count of concealing the death of a child. She was then committed to Lancaster County Prison on $1 million bail.
Police said LaFleur, of the 300 block of North Marshall Street, gave birth to the male infant in the restroom Tuesday and then tried to flush the baby down a toilet.
When that didn’t work, police said LaFleur put the baby in the trash can, where the dead infant was discovered by a school custodian Tuesday night.
Officials said an autopsy conducted Wednesday indicated that the infant had been carried for 27-29 weeks.
They added that the investigation is still in its preliminary stages, and it has not yet been determined whether the baby was born alive or stillborn.
The crime of concealing the death of a child can occur under either circumstance.
Parents reacted with shock.
“It’s just a shame,” high school parent Angnette Swinton said.
“I’ve heard of my fair share of bad things but nothing like this,” junior varsity baseball coach Ervin Lopez said.
The School District of Lancaster said Thursday that it has safe rooms established at both high schools. Staff members or students directly affected by the situation are encouraged to meet with counselors in these rooms, officials said.
