Baby found dead in North Columbia

Columbia police are asking for your help after a dead baby is found near a north-side business.

Investigators got a call at about 11:40 a.m. Thursday after employees spotted the human remains outside McKnight Tire on North Providence near Vandiver. It appears to be a child younger than one year old.

They do not know how the child died, who the baby is, or even if the child was male or female. Specialists, including an anthropologist, are trying to help with that.

Call CPD (573-874-7423), or Crimestoppers anonymously (573-875-TIPS), if you have any tips.

The city has apologized after an officer took a picture on Thursday near where the baby was found. The photo was taken part of national CityHallSelfie Day.

(This story was last updated at 10:09 a.m. Monday.)