Nevada mom Taylor Dickinson accused of tossing newborn in dumpster said abandoning child in trash was her ‘best option’

A disturbing incident in Nevada has shocked the community, as a mother was arrested for allegedly abandoning her newborn baby in a dumpster. Taylor Sierra Dickinson, 28, is facing charges of attempted murder after she tied her minutes-old baby boy in a garbage bag and left him in a trash bin in Sun Valley. Fortunately, the baby was found by a passerby and is now in stable condition.

According to reports from the Reno Gazette Journal, Dickinson claimed that she did not realize she was pregnant when she gave birth in a nearby bathroom on July 5. In a state of panic and shock, she made the chilling decision to abandon the child in the trash, believing it was her “best option.” Washoe County Sheriff’s Detective Claire Hoops-Adams testified during a bail hearing that Dickinson had no knowledge of the baby’s gender or whether he was breathing or moving.

Dickinson reportedly admitted that she did not want any more children and cited financial struggles as a reason for her actions. She mentioned that her family was living paycheck to paycheck and could not afford an additional child. This tragic incident comes after Dickinson had previously miscarried in 2023 and left the fetus in a garbage can.

The abandoned newborn was discovered nearly 10 hours later when a good Samaritan heard cries coming from the dumpster. The baby was quickly rescued and taken to Renown Regional Medical Center, where he is now recovering. Sheriff Darin Balaam expressed gratitude for the community member who acted swiftly to save the child’s life.

It is important to note that Nevada’s Safe Haven Law allows parents to surrender infants to any hospital, fire station, or law enforcement agency within 30 days of birth without facing legal consequences. Dickinson was arrested and charged with child abuse, neglect, or endangerment. She is currently being held on a $1 million cash-only bail.

This heartbreaking incident serves as a reminder of the importance of safe and legal options for parents in crisis. No baby should ever be left in danger, and it is crucial for individuals to be aware of the resources available to them in such situations.