SHAMOKIN DAM -- People in central Pennsylvania are donating money to replace a special grave marker that was removed from the grave of an infant, murdered by her mother in Northumberland County. The case led to a state law that protects abandoned babies.
Walking through Orchard Hills Cemetery in Shamokin Dam, the bronze grave markers are hard to miss, but one grave site no longer has one of those markers.
Northumberland County coroner James Kelley noticed late last week the grave marker belonging to "Baby Mary" was missing.
"At first I was just dumbfounded because you just walk up and see the marble base. I walked around the section, thinking maybe someone tore it out and threw it," Kelly said.
Kelley says he visits Baby Mary's burial site almost every month.
In 2001, the newborn was killed by her mother Tracy Dupre.
Baby Mary's death led to the creation of Pennsylvania's Safe Haven Law. It allows parents to legally abandon their babies at designated drop off spots.
"I'm glad they started the haven that they could drop them off and find homes for them," Linda Hunter said.
Hunter of Sunbury remembers when Baby Mary was killed.
"I think it's pathetic that somebody would do something like that to any grave and especially a baby," Hunter said.
"I think it's really sad that someone has to stoop to desecrate a grave, let alone an infant's for a few dollars," Donna Hall said.
Kelley says Baby Mary's grave marker appears to be the only one stolen.
Kelley says the outpouring of support has been so overwhelming that he decided to start a fund to replace the grave marker.
"The community just started reaching out to us that they wanted to make a donation," Kelley said.
There is a fund set up at Susquehanna Bank. Checks can be made out to "Baby Mary Memorial." All extra money will be donated to the Child Advocacy Center in Central Pennsylvania.
"Well, I pray for them like a lot of other people pray for them that somebody would for whatever reason steal her marker," Kelley said.
If you have any information about the theft of Baby Mary's grave marker, you are asked to contact the Shamokin Dam Police Department.
