An investigation is underway after a newborn baby was found dead inside a port-a-potty at the Electric Forest music festival in Rothbury, Michigan, and authorities have since confirmed the infant was born alive.
The Michigan State Police Department announced that the body of a “neonate” was discovered in a portable toilet in the festival’s camping area on the morning of June 28, 2026. A neonate is a baby who is 4 weeks old or younger.
Two weeks later, authorities revealed a chilling update: preliminary autopsy findings indicate the infant “was viable” and was “born alive.” The FBI has since joined the investigation, and a $15,000 reward is now on the table for information leading to an arrest.
Here’s everything to know about the ongoing case.
Newborn Discovered During Routine Maintenance at Electric Forest Music Festival
According to the Michigan State Police Department, the baby’s body was found by a restroom vending company employee who was performing routine maintenance at the festival on the morning of June 28, 2026.
No details about the baby have been shared publicly, including gender, race or health status at the time of discovery.
Following the shocking find, authorities quickly launched an investigation. In their initial release, Michigan State Police said they had no additional information to share but insisted there was no threat to the public.
Investigators have asked for the public’s help as they work to piece together what happened.
“If you were in the area and observed anything unusual, or if you have information that you believe may be relevant, we encourage you to come forward,” the police department said.
Anyone with information can submit tips online or call 800-442-7766.
“We appreciate the public’s cooperation and ask that people avoid speculation on social media out of respect for the investigation and those affected,” the department added.
Michigan State Police Confirm Autopsy Findings
Two weeks after the discovery, authorities delivered a significant development. In a press release on July 13, 2026, the Michigan State Police announced that preliminary autopsy findings had determined the infant was viable and had been born alive.
The July 13 update marked the first major forensic revelation in the case, transforming the investigation from an unexplained death into a search for whoever left the newborn behind.
“The MSP remains committed to a thorough investigation of this incident. We are confident that continued investigative efforts, combined with forensic science, will ultimately lead to the identification of the person responsible,” the department said.
A suspect has not yet been named. Authorities added that a woman from Muskegon was questioned after the MSP received a tip, but she has since been eliminated as a suspect.
FBI Offers $15,000 Reward as Investigation Expands
With no arrest made, the FBI has stepped in to assist. The Michigan State Police announced that the federal agency is offering a $15,000 reward for information leading to the “identification, arrest and conviction” of those involved in the baby’s death.
MSP Lt. Pat Agema told NewsNation that investigators are determined to solve the case and believe forensic evidence will be key.
“We believe that there are definitely people who know something about it,” Agema said. “We do believe that this investigation will be solved through forensics.”
He added that police are “going through video” and are “trying to follow up on all the leads coming through.”
Agema also explained why the case has drawn federal attention.
“That’s probably one of the reasons the FBI has come on board, because of the national attention this festival gets,” he said.
Electric Forest Festival Draws Thousands to Rothbury
The Electric Forest music festival took place at Double JJ Ranch in Rothbury, Michigan, and ran from June 25, 2026, through June 28, 2026 — the same day the newborn was discovered.
The festival featured dozens of DJs and music artists performing sets, including Chris Lake, ALLEYCVT, Andy C, Avello, Brunello, Vincent Antone, Chris Luno, Close Friends Only, The Flints, Sullivan King, The String Cheese Incident, Lane 8, Lightcode and Wax Monkey.
Beyond the performances, the festival offered a wide range of activities including camping, a silent disco, plug-in programs, a time travel agency experience, a camp gear donation program and a Camp Traction x Consciousness Group Sober Meet Up.
The festival’s camping area — where the discovery was made — draws thousands of attendees each year, adding complexity to the investigation as authorities work to identify anyone who may have witnessed something unusual.
What Happens Next in the Electric Forest Investigation?
As the case moves forward, Michigan State Police continue to appeal to the public for information. Investigators believe someone at the festival knows what happened and are urging anyone with details, no matter how small, to come forward.
Police have not shared any additional updates about the infant, including gender, race or the health of the child at the time of discovery.
Tips can be submitted online or by calling 800-442-7766. The FBI’s $15,000 reward remains active for information leading to an arrest and conviction.
This story was compiled with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists.
