A baby has been found alive alongside two dead police officers in a Detroit home, multiple sources have reported.

The discovery was made on Sunday night (February 19), with the Detroit Police Chief Jesse E. White revealing in a statement that the Livonia Police Department is currently investigating the incident.

Through a statement recorded and subsequently posted to Twitter, White stated: "It's a very tragic and sad course of events."

He then added: "It appears to be domestic. It looks like, preliminarily, a murder-suicide, and that's where we are right now. It's a sad day for our department, and thoughts and prayers go out to the family, as well as our officers who you can see over there that are taking it pretty hard, as are the rest of the command team."

Fox Detroit reported that the police officers - whose identities were later confirmed to be  Maria Martin, 22, and Matthew Ethington II, 26 - were in a relationship, and both had suffered gunshot wounds. A baby was also discovered at the scene but is unharmed, and is now in the care of family members.

Officers had turned up at the residence after a family member contacted Livonia Police and requested a welfare check, PEOPLE detailed.

Police Chief White told Fox 2 that the pair, who had been with the force less than four years, had been "model officers" and nothing in their records could have foreshadowed the tragedy.

He explained: "I've secured every document that we have involving the officers, and nothing – nothing jumps out at you at all. Model officers, no issues.

"My understanding is they were both preparing for the supervisors' exam we have upcoming in about a month, This was out of nowhere."

He added: "We'll certainly be looking anything internally that we can do to help our officers who may find themselves in a domestic situation."

The Federal Bureau of Investigation's Law Enforcement Bulletin has explained that close to 600 murder-suicides occur in the United States each year, which reportedly accounts for between 1,000 and 1,500 deaths.

The majority of incidents happen between two people involved in a romantic relationship or domestic setting, with 65% of murder-suicides happening between intimate couples. Over 81% will occur in the home.

"Although uncommon, such incidents vary widely in terms of the persons involved, how they are related, and where the crimes take place," the bulletin details. It also specifically details statistics regarding incidents involving police officers, stating: "Because of job-related variables and personality factors, police officers appear to be disproportionately at risk for suicide and its subset, homicide-suicide, compared to other occupational groups. Subsequent research supports this sad reality."

However, the bulletin does note that there is an insufficient amount of research conducted into domestic murder-suicide in the law enforcement community.

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A pregnant woman has tragically been found dead on the street of a residential neighborhood in Florida, with her toddler very close by.

Alana Sims' sleeping 23-month-old son was discovered in the vehicle next to his deceased mother's body.

She was found by officers from the Tampa Police Department outside her Ford EcoSport SUV on Monday night. She had sustained upper body trauma. The young woman, who was five months pregnant at the time, was identified by her loved ones on Tuesday.

"Alana was the best person you could be around. She wasn't around drama," the late mother's own mom Shahlevi Sims told People.

"She stayed to herself you know just a real down-to-earth person," Shahlevi told the outlet. "She loved being around her nieces, she loved her son and her family."

Alana's son was in his car seat in the back of the car when law enforcement arrived at the scene. The youngster, who turns two next month, did not have any signs of physical harm from the incident and is now being taken care of by relatives.

Tampa police spokesperson Crystal Clark told 10 Tampa Bay on Tuesday that authorities believe the tragedy to have been a targeted attack. "I can tell you, when she was laying on the ground, it appeared she had been deceased for a bit of time," she added.

Per a police press release regarding the ordeal, the case is being investigated by homicide detectives.

In the wake of the tragedy, a GoFundMe was set up to contribute to the costs of the young mom's funeral.

Its description reads: "Hi my name is Shahlevi my daughter Alana has lost her life suddenly. Alana was a devoted mother who has a son who she loved very much. She was murdered on Monday the 30th.

"She was 5 months pregnant at the time and leaves behind a 2 year old. Please help us out in the time of need. Anything is appreciated. God bless."

More than three times its initial goal of $4,000 has been donated, at the time of writing.

Some of those who donated to the fundraiser left heartfelt comments expressing their condolences, with one person writing: "I am so sorry for this terrible loss. As a daughter and mother of young children, my heart breaks for you and your grandson and what was and could have been. Sending love and comfort and a reminder to be kind and gentle with yourselves during such a difficult time."

Another wrote: "I am so sorry for your loss. May God wrap his arms around you and your family. RIP beautiful."

A third added: "Truly sorry for your loss. I hope that you and your family find some peace."

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Autopsy results have been disclosed after a University of Kentucky cheerleader allegedly hid a dead newborn in a trash bag.

Law enforcement was called to Snelling’s Lexington home on August 27 after reports of “a deceased infant being located inside of a closet.”

According to the arrest report, officers found the infant wrapped in a towel and placed inside a black trash bag.

The newborn was pronounced dead at around 10:30AM, the police report noted. After being read her Miranda rights, Snelling allegedly admitted that she had given birth and “concealed the birth by cleaning any evidence,” which included placing the infant and cleaning supplies into the trash bag.

The 21-year-old student, originally from White Pine, Tennessee, was charged with abuse of a corpse, tampering with physical evidence, and concealing the birth of an infant.

She pled not guilty, posted a $100,000 bond on September 2, and was placed on house arrest. Snelling is due back in court on September 26.

According to Yahoo, newly released autopsy results have left more questions than answers.

The Fayette County Coroner’s Office reported that the infant’s cause of death is “currently undetermined.” The coroner’s report stated that “extensive microscopic analyses are essential to determine the cause and manner of death,” per Lex 18.

“I understand the community’s concern and sensitivity surrounding the death of a child. This death affects many lives in our neighboring state of Tennessee and as well as those in the commonwealth,” the report stated. “We are currently conducting a thorough and methodical death investigation to ensure all facts are carefully considered.”

Snelling had been a member of the University of Kentucky’s competitive cheer stunt team for the past three seasons.

“We can confirm that she has been a member of the STUNT team for the last three seasons,” the university said in a statement. “All other questions should be directed to the Lexington Police.”

The disturbing case has drawn attention not just because of the circumstances, but also because of Snelling’s social media activity.

A TikTok video she posted months earlier resurfaced, in which she listed “having a baby” as one of her life goals, alongside getting married and owning a home.

The discovery has sparked wider discussion, with many online pointing to Kentucky’s abortion laws, which took effect in 2022 and allow abortion only if the pregnant person’s life is at substantial risk or to prevent serious, permanent harm to vital organs. The ban does not include exceptions for rape or incest.

Others highlighted that Kentucky offers designated places where unwanted newborns can be safely surrendered.

The Lexington Police Department’s Special Victims Section is continuing its investigation.

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