Police say autopsy for baby found at Sioux Falls recycling facility is complete

The autopsy for a baby found deceased at a Sioux Falls recycling facility has been completed, according to Sioux Falls Police Department spokesperson Sam Clemens.

But investigators aren't ready to release details at this time, he said via email Friday.

"For investigative reasons, the detectives still do not want to release any other details," Clemens said, noting only the coroner could determine whether the child's death was a homicide.

What we know about the case so far:

The baby, reported by police as a full-term infant, was found Aug. 6 at Millennium Recycling, a recycling center near the 300 block of East 50th Street North.

At about 6:40 a.m. that day, police received a call from recycling center staff, who found the infant on site, Clemens said at the time.

More: Sioux Falls Police investigating infant death at recycling center

An unattended death is any death that occurs outside a medical facility," Clemens said a month ago. "Unattended infant deaths happen occasionally. It’s hard to give an exact number how many happen each year, but an estimation would be around five. We’ve never had an infant found at a recycling center before."

Shannon Dwire, President of Millennium Recycling, said then the company will not be providing any comment.

"Due to the sensitive nature of the incident and the ongoing investigation, Millennium Recycling is referring all media inquiries to local authorities," the statement on the company's social media page read. "We're providing full support to our staff and appreciate the community's understanding."

Community rallies to lay child to rest

In the time since the baby's discovery, the community has come to know him as Baby Gabriel James Doe, a name given by Jessica Remme, the founder of the Oaklyn Foundation , a nonprofit that aims to provide emotional, financial and educational assistance and support to families who experience the loss of an infant.

“I mean, for me, specifically, as a mom who has lost a child, I know that pain," Remme said earlier this month. "I can't even fathom what that mother must have been thinking or going through, or what her circumstances must be to feel like she didn’t have an option, or to just whatever it may be. It’s a reminder to check on your people.”

More: 'We found you, and we loved you:' Sioux Falls rallies for infant found at recycling center

Remme and others helped coordinate a funeral service at Miller Funeral Home for the child, who was laid to rest Aug. 28, at the hands of police and surrounding residents who wanted to show their love for the baby.

Funeral Director Matthew Koball said at the time it’s a standing tradition at the Miller Funeral Home to provide free services for any child age 17 and younger.

“It's a trying time anytime someone loses your child; it's not the natural order,” Koball said. “It's really the least we could do to give back to the community because it's the right thing to do.”

Clemens said he would share more information when he could about the investigation.

This article originally appeared on Sioux Falls Argus Leader: Police say autopsy for baby found at Sioux Falls recycling facility is complete