Investigation underway after infant found dead in Northern Liberties

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Philadelphia police are investigating the death of a newborn girl found inside an apartment in the city's Northern Liberties neighborhood.

Officers responded to a residence on the 1100 block of North American Street around 12:52 and found the infant unresponsive. The baby was pronounced dead shortly after. Detectives say preliminary information suggests the newborn may have sustained puncture wounds, though the official cause of death remains pending an autopsy.

"It's sickening. It's heartbreaking. It's a baby. It's a baby," a neighbor said.

Police maintained a presence outside the apartment building Saturday as detectives investigated the circumstances surrounding the suspicious death.

"If it was intentional, then my heart is in pieces, and I'm sick," the neighbor who asked not to be identified said.

Authorities say the infant's mother had just given birth that day. A neighbor who asked not to be identified said she was familiar with the mother. The neighbor added that she did not realize the woman was pregnant.

"She always seemed so sweet, she always said hi to me, had a smile on her face, a really kind girl. I am beyond devastated to hear that," the neighbor said.

The Medical Examiner's Office is conducting a formal examination. Philadelphia police said the investigation is ongoing.