Bismarck Tribune - Bismarck News - Arrest made in 1999 suitcase baby death

Arrest made in 1999 suitcase baby death

MIKE McCLEARY/Tribune U.S. Attorney Drew Rigley, second from right, talks about the case involving defendant Dana Deegan during a news conference in Bismarck on Thursday with assistant U.S. Attorney Claire Hochhalter, far right, and FBI agents Bruce Bennett, left, and Ryan O'Neil.

May 18, 2007 - 07:15:39 CDT

By JENNYMICHAEL
Bismarck Tribune

A Garrison woman has been accused of leaving her newborn child to die nearly eight years ago on the Fort Berthold Reservation.

Dana Deegan, 34, was charged Thursday in U.S. District Court with first degree murder. It is alleged that Deegan "with malice aforethought, did unlawfully kill an infant child, willfully, deliberately, maliciously, and with premeditation," according to a complaint filed Thursday.

An infant boy, believed to be younger than 2 weeks old at the time of his death, was found dead inside a soft-sided lavender bag on Nov. 4, 1999. A rancher repairing fences in the area located the suitcase in a brush-filled coulee about seven miles north of Mandaree and found the baby's body, wrapped in a blanket and towel and placed in a plastic bag, inside the suitcase.

U.S. Attorney Drew Wrigley said the baby has been referred to as "Baby Doe" or "Baby Moses" since it was found in 1999.

Deegan made her first appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Charles S. Miller Thursday afternoon at the federal courthouse in Bismarck, several hours after she was arrested at her workplace in New Town.

Deegan, dressed in a light green T-shirt, blue shorts and thong sandals, told Miller she lives in Garrison with her mother and her three children. She said she attended two years of college and works for a child program through the Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation.

Miller said the maximum penalty for first degree murder is life in prison, fines of up to $250,000 and a mandatory assessment fee of $100. Parole is not a possibility in the federal system.

Miller appointed Bill Schmidt, a defense attorney from the Federal Public Defender's Office, to represent Deegan.

Wrigley said at a news conference following the first appearance that scientific advancements since the infant was found in 1999 had allowed investigators to continue working on the case.

According to an affidavit from FBI Special Agent Hal Stutsman, an FBI laboratory DNA analysis identified the "Deegan family" as a maternal match for the baby. Wrigley declined to release how the family was identified as a match in the case. Deegan voluntarily submitted a DNAsample to the FBI in March 2004.

The FBI Laboratory in Quantico, Va., completed a DNA analysis on the sample in February 2007, "which confirmed that Dana Deegan is a DNA match and the mother of Baby Doe,"the affidavit said.

Wrigley said the length it took to get results in the case is "atypical." Results usually come back faster, but many state and federal crime logs are overloaded with samples, he said.

"We're not satisfied with how long it took to get those results," Wrigley said. "I'm an impatient person by nature."

According to the affidavit, Deegan told FBI agents on Feb. 21 that she went into labor in the shower, and "Baby Doe" was stillborn. She said she then realized she was pregnant with another child and went to Bismarck to deliver that baby.

Agents interviewed Deegan again on Wednesday, the affidavit said. After giving a similar statement to investigators as the one she had given in February, Deegan changed her story, the affidavit said.

She told investigators she had delivered the baby at her home in Mandaree in October 1998, and her three other children were present. The baby was born alive, the affidavit said.

Deegan told agents she "cleaned Baby Doe, put a diaper on him, fed him, dressed him in a 'onesie' and socks, wrapped him in a towel and a blanket, and placed him in a basket,"the affidavit said. "Deegan then got the rest of her children ready and left the house, intentionally leaving Baby Doe alone without food or water, and without a caregiver."

Deegan said she returned about two weeks later and found the baby dead, the affidavit said. The charges allege that Deegan knew Baby Doe would die when she left him alone.

"We believe she understood fully what the consequences of that would be," Wrigley said.

Stutsman wrote in the affidavit that Deegan and her husband were out of work and having a hard time providing for their children.

"When asked why she had intentionally left Baby Doe alone to die, Deegan said that due to her personal and home situation, she was not able to care for another child," the affidavit said. "She had three other small children, and her husband was frequently using drugs and alcohol."

Wrigley said Deegan is married, but declined to release her husband's name or location. He said the investigation into the case is ongoing.

Wrigley credited Assistant U.S. Attorney Clare Hochhalter with keeping the light on the case so many years after "Baby Moses" was found.

"This case gathered a lot of attention immediately," Hochhalter said, adding that breaking the case took "great investigative work."

Stutsman, along with FBI Special Agents Ryan O'Neil and Bruce Bennett, worked the case most recently, but a number of law enforcement officers from state, local, federal and tribal agencies had been involved with the investigation since the baby was found, Hochhalter and Wrigley said.

Deegan will appear in court again at 11 a.m. Tuesday for the purposes of determining whether she should be released pending further court proceedings and whether there is probable cause for the case to go forward. Deegan currently is in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.

At a later date, the case will be presented to a grand jury, which will decide whether to return an indictment against Deegan for first degree murder or other charges. The grand jury also could decide not to indict Deegan on any charges.

Wrigley said he decided, after discussions with Hochhalter on Wednesday, to charge Deegan before the next time the grand jury convenes, even though the case will still have to go to the grand jury.

"My conclusion was that we needed to move forward," he said.

Wrigley pointed out that the case is still in the "allegation stage."

"We haven't proved anything," he said.

Community members on the Fort Berthold reservation put up the money to bury the infant in 1999. Wrigley said it can be difficult for a community to move on after a case like that of "Baby Moses."

"It can be wrenching," he said. "A case like this can haunt a community."

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Comments

whereisthefather wrote on Sep 6, 2008 11:02 PM:

" it would be a big improvement on this site if the swearing would be edited out. "thou shalt NOT take the NAME of the Lord they GOD in vain for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain." is right up there on the big TEN list right along with "thou shalt not murder". WHERE IS THE FATHER in this case? with DNA testing there is NO EXCUSE for the courts to not have brought him up on charges right along side this mother. she neglected her son. he neglected HIS SON AND THE MOTHER and if he is the father of her girls....he also neglected them. she wrongly neglected one baby, HE neglected ONE MOTHER, ONE SON, and THREE DAUGHTERS. he neglected FIVE people. she neglected ONE. fathers who "neglect" need equal prison time....perhaps MORE! it seriously baffels me WHY the WOMAN takes the entrie rap in this and many other cases and the "father" crawls under his rock and escapes. i don't get it. the courts are NEGLIGENT in these cases. and the MOST CRAZY of ALL are the social services that EXPECT the woman to get a divorce BEFORE they will help these mothers. SOCIAL SERVICE rules are the MOST CRAZY of all! "

New Town&Mandaree Chick wrote on Apr 7, 2008 12:23 PM:

" Man What She Did Was Wrong Yah But Man Cut Her Some Slack This Is Mii Auntie Were Talkin Bout Quit Call Her A Monster She Has Three Beautiful Girls ii Love Them All & For The ative guy Thats Mii Uncle Quit Tryna Pull Him In This He Didnt Kno Man ii Cant Believe You Guys Can Say This On Here Can Say That Bout Her You Dont Even Kno Her So Quit Judgin Her & For The People That Are From Fort Berthold Cant Believe You Would Say That Bout Her ii Mean Come On Put Yourself In Her Shoes What Would You Do When All These So Called People Callin You Down Like THat Man All Im Sayin Is Quit Callin Her A Monster & Quit Pullin Mii Uncle In This Too "

Teichthesen wrote on May 31, 2007 1:00 PM:

" I would have cared for the boy if I'd known she didn't want him. Can anyone out there imagine what it must have been like to see light for the first time, breath air and then be locked in the silent dark to suffer the tortures of thirst and starvation with no way to express the need for the love and care a baby craves. Burry her alive. "

Robbie wrote on May 31, 2007 12:52 PM:

" One question, where was the father in all of this? As a single working father of two I have to say that I don't have any use for either parent of the baby. Men or women who fail in their responsiblities as parents should be sterilized, or shot. I don't buy post-partem depression, my wife tried that B.S. and lost her kids. "

a mother wrote on May 29, 2007 8:33 PM:

" a life for a life "

sorry but you did it wrote on May 29, 2007 2:11 PM:

" here is my opinion and my thoughts of this stary and truth..first of all i agree no child needs to be killed and left like she did (dana) if u didnt want the child could of gave it to someone who did want the child geez how rude.. its always been a questions of why why why why did all this bad carma happen to the Deegan family ..Now this explain's EVERYthing .. you born this child left it and after all you did that you brang it back 10 fold to your family the hurt the pain of losing your farther and brothers and the ways OMG ...i really really feel sorry for you very much dana .. you have had a lot on your plate over the few years. you and your family are and always will be in my prayers... "

To "Mother's" wrote on May 29, 2007 12:31 PM:

" If this lady "IS a good mother, compassionate, loving and not a monster? Explain why she "hid" for so many years, in denial of having this child. If she needed help and was not of stable mind? Holy cow, she worked with parents and children for years on the WIC Program, knowing she threw away a human being! Somewhere in that time span don't you think she was sane enough to come forward and claim this child? Regardless of "innocent until proven guilty" this was "her" child and she dumped him like a bag of trash! That's guilt in its ownself. Pray? All those who want prayers and forgiveness for this lady better pray hard, yes she will be judged by a higher court-with baby moses there to look her in the eye and ask "why?" Judge? I'm not judging, just posting a comment like the rest of you. Have a nice day. By the way, I'm native and live in one of those small communities-there is no excuse where you come from or who you are-DO THE CRIME PAY THE FINE!!! "

TO Steve wrote on May 25, 2007 2:18 PM:

" Your comment was maybe she was dealing with PP depression, and how many of us really know what it's like to suffer from it.....I do thats who. Also ALOT of mothers in the world! IT is VERY common to suffer from PP. It's just not talked about very often until recently. I am sorry I do not find that to be any kind of excuse! I am a 26 yr old single mother of 3. I work a fulltime job and take care of my kids with no help. I have gone through hardships everyday My children are 2,4,and 9. Their father was heavy into drugs in and out of prison. I went through PP I wanted to harm myself .I never one time left them home alone to die. Am I a saint? NO but these are OUR innocent children...We cant keep accepting this and thinking it is ok. Or blaming it on some illness. If someone will a mental illness kills or rapes a person they still are senteced, THey still spend their life either in prison or in a mental hospital. THat is exactly where she needs to be! No one had the right to kill a child because they decide one day that they just dont want to have to take care of it! That is NOT how parenting works. We all have a choice when we have sexor when we get pregnect. She had the same choices. She probably planned this for 9 months which is sickening! On top of it all she put her other 3 kids through watching ALL of this. The birth and the start of the death of their brother. That right there should be another charge I pray that no one ever has to experience PP depression but if they do I REALLY hope "we" as in people in general stop putting up with the excuses that people are giving for murder now. It's time we stand up for innocent children and put a stop to the raping or murdering of our kids!!!! "

SB wrote on May 25, 2007 3:47 AM:

" well she should sit in prison,not only that there's a comment up ahead WAIT wrote it and yeah maybe she did go threw some hardships and yeah but who doesn't that still doesn't mean she has the right to murder her flesh n blood.They say in our indian ways that when you do something bad it comes back on you that's probably why she went threw so many hardships if ya know what i mean!!!!! She's insane to go around 8 years and to show up at the funeral like she didn't know anything!!!!! And to let another couple get blamed for it when all along she should have came and confessed in stead of the couple they accused she has no sympathy for!!!!! syremorssysyysysympathy "

society wrote on May 24, 2007 12:02 PM:

" It is societies place to act as judge and jury. For if not, society would run amock. That is why we have laws and procedures. Myself, I think society is getting weak on murder. We actually seem to accept it. We turn the prediture into a victim. You do have a right to defend yourself. But even that is limited. You are better off saying that you were a victim. That is why you became a prediture. God bless baby Moses. "

dakotadaughter wrote on May 24, 2007 10:10 AM:

" Yes it is unimaginable to think that a woman could intentionally cause the death of a child (or children) that she gave birth to but none of us will ever fully know what was going on in the heart, mind, and life of anyone who does such a thing. I was horrified when Susan Smith strapped her 2 little boys into their car seats and watched as the car went into the water and I was horrified when Andrea Yates drowned her 5 children. This situation also brings tears to my eyes and makes me feel sick in the pit of my stomach, but none of us know all the facts in this story, and when (and if) we ever do, is it really "our" place to act as judge and jury? I am thankful that I am not judged by society as a whole. I am neither as "good" as my family, friends, and those who love me see me, nor as "bad" as those who dislike me see me. "

what ever wrote on May 24, 2007 7:43 AM:

" get real "

Wondering wrote on May 23, 2007 4:22 PM:

" Can't help but wonder...didn't ANYONE know she was pregant with this child? Her family and friends...someone had to know. If you knew this person was pregnant and going to give birth in the very near future & suddenly she was no longer pregnant but there was no child wouldn't you ask questions? If the child was stillborn there would still be a funeral or something...seems a little suspicious to me. "

JM wrote on May 23, 2007 4:08 PM:

" If the person she murdered were an adult would she have been released? I doubt it. This is another example of how children are minimalized, and that their life is not worth that of an adult. She should be heald for whatever the bond would have been had the victim been an adult. "

Native NOT on the Rez wrote on May 23, 2007 2:11 PM:

" I am appalled that anyone could defend this woman. I am shocked that anyone could say 'Oh, the facts aren't in'. The woman admitted that she killed her child. What more needs to be said? She killed her own little, defenseless baby. And on top of it, she did so in an incredibly cruel and inhumane way. She left an infant alone. For two weeks. Then came back, into that home, wrapped him up and tossed him out. This has all been admitted. Can you imagine walking into your home with your dead child that YOU killed and seeing that death and tossing that child like so much garbage out into the prairies. She knew what she was doing. She knew exactly what she was doing. And then, she is allowed back to her place of work where she works with children. Imagine having that murderer evaluating your babies! My god! Ms. Yellowbird must be nearly as nuts as this girl to let her stay on! I am sure glad not be living there! "

sarah wrote on May 23, 2007 12:14 PM:

" If she couldn't afford another baby...why not give it up for adoption? Is there a law in ND that you can drop a baby off at police station, fire house, hospital, or another safe persons house without getting questions ask. If she is native...who cares...unfortunately this happens in every race. "

steve wrote on May 23, 2007 9:42 AM:

" Is it fair to say, that maybe she has a case, maybe she really was suffering from PP depression, and how many of us really know what it's like to suffer from it, I don't. However uncomprehenseable and unforgivable this act is was, it happened, and the facts of the case will come to light. Whatever our opinion about Dana at this time is right now, isn't necessarily going to be the same once the facts come to light. I am a father, and like all the other parents and grandparents out there that are reading these comments, we can't comprehend what kind of person could commit this act, but maybe theres something else we don't know, something different from our everyday lives, most of us have never suffered from a mental illness, so we, or at least I can't premeditate a judgement on someone who has. I do hope that when judgement is past on her, either by society, or God, or herself, that the truth addressed, and her fate decided accordingly. I'd like to thank those of you who didn't make this a race issue, because it isn't. "

to man of peace wrote on May 23, 2007 9:13 AM:

" Amen! I agree with you. I find following the "love don't judge" logic, a person is more at peace. The only actions I have to live with are my own. "

To Man of Peace wrote on May 22, 2007 9:58 PM:

" I wouldn't do this, so I don't have to worry about if I would come clean or not. My children are the most precious thing in my life. I can't imagine wanting to hurt them in any way. "

Man of peace wrote on May 22, 2007 7:42 PM:

" Let one without sin cast the first stone. It is terrible what had happened i admit, but remember there is a reason why this happened. There is a reason for everything. Ms. Deegan realized this and came clean from what it sounds like. She could have kept saying that it was a still born. There is a reason why she told the truth. How many of you would have came clean with the truth if this was you. She will be judge, by man and God and Ms. Deegan knows this. Now it is time to let this rest and allow Baby Moses move on to a better place. "

WRONG!! wrote on May 22, 2007 7:14 PM:

" Every Mother That Has A Child Should Take Good Care Of It Even If They Got More Then One, They Should Treat Them All The Same. This Lady Right Here.. Should Be Held Behind bars for LIFE! I don't Think She Should Ever Be Out. Babys Are Holy And They Are Sacred.... What A Mother...... "

To RNP wrote on May 22, 2007 6:57 PM:

" I would feel the same way about a family member that I feel about Ms. Deegan and that is that I do not feel very highly about her. She MURDERED her own child. That is just totally wrong. Yes, I am judging her because she deserves to be judged. "

me wrote on May 22, 2007 5:18 PM:

" I tried to not read this haunting story, or listen to the press. Because it only brought back memories of my grandson we lost. On that day he was born, he did not get to take a breath of air, he did not cry, this was something I wanted to hear so bad, was a cry or a sound. But their was nothing, just silence. I can only imagine, the cry this baby boy made. I am effected like everyone else, I have mixed emotions, it makes me sick.. I do not hate, but I hate what she done. I pray that any young person, poor or rich, lonely or pregnant do not do what she done, there are people out their that will HELP you, all you have to do is ask.. JUSTICE WILL PREVEIL, I HOPE AND PRAY!!!! "

R.N.P. wrote on May 22, 2007 4:53 PM:

" Well I have seen your respones to Mrs Deegan? And Mrs Deegan herself?Tragic! Shameful!Deciteful!Many more words?But I am not her judge! "GOD"judges and forgives what does that say to us? It is out our hands. We all should pray for her and her family, and our own families as well? What if this happened to one our own family members or relitives? What you say then? It is very hard to be the judge then? Even in such events we must not forget who we are? and whats really in our hearts? "

APPAULED wrote on May 22, 2007 4:15 PM:

" Are you not reading the same article I am...it says" she cleaned Baby Doe, put a diaper on him, fed him, dressed him in a 'onesie' and socks, wrapped him in a towel and a blanket, and placed him in a basket,"the affidavit said. "Deegan then got the rest of her children ready and left the house, intentionally leaving Baby Doe alone without food or water, and without a caregiver." Not only did she murder her son, but what sick things did she tell her other children about their baby brother that their mother just dressed and then left while they all walked out the door. I have a hard time believing those innocent little children didn't ask questions to her and others. And KXMC.com has just released "Bernadine Young Bird, who heads the Three Affiliated Tribes' early childhood program told the magistrate that Deegan would be allowed to come back to work while she is released."...SHE CAN NOT BE SERIOUS. The women is being charged with MURDER. Not accidentally murder where she hit someone with her car on accident...this was PREMEDIATED MURDER. Let me repeat HER affidavit for all of you saying send her your prayers..."she cleaned Baby Doe, put a diaper on him, fed him, dressed him in a 'onesie' and socks, wrapped him in a towel and a blanket, and placed him in a basket,"the affidavit said. "Deegan then got the rest of her children ready and left the house, intentionally leaving Baby Doe alone without food or water, and without a caregiver." My prayers are going out to her innocent children that have lived with whatever lie she told them about their baby brother, for the poor innocent baby and for her to ROT IN PRISION. "

Desarae Houle wrote on May 22, 2007 10:29 AM:

" god bless the baby, now we all know he is safe and where he belongs. "

Callie wrote on May 22, 2007 8:05 AM:

" I feel sorry for the children, but anyone who could harm a child is a monster. It has nothing to do with who is judging her. She stuck her child in a suitcase and threw it out, like garbage. She's gone about her life like business as usual. There are no excuses for this, and it is up to society to start dealing appropriately with these types. "

OMG wrote on May 21, 2007 10:30 PM:

" She currently works for a child program??!! HELLO? WHY is she still holding this position?? A law officer gets a DUI & gets canned from her rank--TAKE THE SAME STEPS FOR THIS FREAK. "

Regular Reader wrote on May 21, 2007 9:11 PM:

" I've carefully gone over everything posted so far, and to those who say, "Don't judge anyone" I have to ask, then, how do we keep order in society, and prevent murder and all other crimes, if not to judge the actions of those who break the laws of common society? An "anything goes" world will only be a world of pure anarchy. We MUST have behavioral standards. Killing your own kids must NEVER be acceptable behavior. "

Not Deserving wrote on May 21, 2007 9:02 PM:

" Some may call me unChristian (which isn't true in the least) for saying this but I refuse to pray for Deegan. I realize she is a mother, wife, sister, daughter, aunt, etc. but she's also a murderer. Realize what torture this baby went through. The pain of guilt can't be nearly as excrutiating as the pain Moses went through in the last days of his life, cold, hungry and scared. In that respect yes, he is in a better place. Next to that, nearly any place would be better. For as close as the families appear to be out here, she should have known she would have their support. And as for the excuse about her being young, she was in her late 20s and this wasn't her first child. I can understand the nerves and problems surrounding a first baby - not understanding or being able to manage post partum - but this was number FOUR. This is a tragedy of massive proportion. And frankly, I'm happy she won't get the death penalty. I would like nothing more than to see her sitting in jail for the rest of her days thinking about the torture she subjected her child too. "

Daughter of Zion ND wrote on May 21, 2007 3:46 PM:

" I started reading the comments, and for so many broken hearts and awe-struck people out there, can't you see what's happening? Please don't be blinded by the horrid reality that has brought you all together. The thought of that beautiful baby boy brings me to Moses, as he was named after. What did Moses do? He brought the children of Israel out of bondage at the direction of God Almighty, that's what he did. Baby's life was brief, don't let it end in misery and hate, but wake up and look beyond what faces us right now. Put yourself in the background, leave the hate alone...who are you feeding when you react like that? A true disciple of Christ will leave it all to Him. Offer up your prayers for Dana, her family, the children she has and for the father of these children. The Lord said, "When my father and mother forsake me, then the Lord shall take me up." Pray for them and for all those families in distress, for victory over the assignment the enemy has against peace, love, joy, hope and faith. Peace be with you all, and again I say Peace. "

Give me a break!!!! wrote on May 21, 2007 3:11 PM:

" Poor, poor mother. Every one feel sorry for her. What a crock. Just because you rightious people keep preaching forgiveness doesnt make it right. Eight years she knew what she did, but yet did nothing. Eight years, and now she got caught and you want me to have forgivenss, compassion, sympathy for her. Give me a break. She is not the victim she is the monster. Two weeks that baby suffered, two weeks. My prayers and compassion go out to her family. God bless her children and keep them in our hearts and prayer. "

AS wrote on May 21, 2007 2:44 PM:

" I believe that the baby is in a better place now than what he would have been if he was here on this Earth. Now all we can do is pray that Dana gets what she deserves and also pray for her other 3 children and that they may recover from this. The lord I believe will do Baby Moses justice when Dana stands before him on her judgement day. God Bless the 3 children of Dana my hopes and prayers are with you. "

1134 wrote on May 21, 2007 2:38 PM:

" ND does not have the death penalty, the reason Rodriquez got it was because he brought her accross state lines making it a federal case (kiddnapping). "

mother of 5 wrote on May 21, 2007 1:57 PM:

" Why is everyone being so sensitive about this issue. Yes ND does have the Death Penalty, look at Rodriquez, he got it. What makes me sick is that Dana and her mother attended the funeral and did not EVEN shed a tear. She should pay restitution to the community who funded the funeral. She lived on the property where the baby was found! How SICK!!! GIVE DANA THE DEATH SENTENCE!!! "

CS wrote on May 21, 2007 1:38 PM:

" Forgive me if this point has already been made, but a case like makes me think that the safe baby policies at most hospitals should be made known to more people. Had Baby Moses' mother dropped him off at any local hospital, no questions would have been asked, no media attention would have been made, no judgments would be made. The baby would now be a healthy toddler in a loving family. Instead, he was left to die in a ditch and we are left to question 'why'. "

Some People wrote on May 21, 2007 11:47 AM:

" What some people do to hang on to a man! I don't think the baby belonged to her husband, and that excuse about not being able to take care of another child is sick! She had other options. She made the wrong choice and took another life. I think her husband knew about it and charges should be brought up on them both! Why should she carry ALL the guilt when HE may have known about it too. The baby was not premature. "

To from down the River wrote on May 21, 2007 11:09 AM:

" It is all of our duty as citizens to judge and vote. If you are a good community member you will form an opinion and act on it or vote on it. That is your duty as a citizen. "

former resident of FB wrote on May 21, 2007 10:59 AM:

" I attended the funeral and was shocked to see how many people were in attendance. I wonder if Dana was there also?....It is very possible she was in attendence. I don't know how she lives with herself, I also am not one to judge, but I think she should serve time for what she has done. This was obviously premeditated. Thank GOD for forensic study! "

ds wrote on May 21, 2007 10:45 AM:

" This mother was not young she was 26 years old, old enough to know better. How come she didnt breast feed this baby (water would have been better than nothing), and then drop it off somewhere. They just let it starved and then didnt even buried the baby, just threw it away. How can a person do this!! "

Shocked2 wrote on May 21, 2007 10:33 AM:

" Although I feel sickened by the fact that this poor baby was killed, I can't help but pray for Dana's family. She has three other beautiful children who must live with what their mother has done. Not only did baby Moses pay, but now her other children are paying as well. I knew Dana and I really have a difficult time believing these facts about her. She was living with a huge secret and I am not one to judge what she has done. I just hope that her children can overcome their mother. "

Mom of 2 wrote on May 21, 2007 10:11 AM:

" Just because a woman has the ability to bring a child into this life doesn't mean she has the right to take that same life away without any consequences. If she felt helpless than she should have called someone, anyone for help and not doing so she deserves everything that is coming and then some. I also agree that if the death penalty hasn't been into place up until now, this is the first case that it should apply. Freedom of speech, darn right and I am going to exercise that right every chance I get to express what I feel towards this woman--can't even consider her a mother!! "

shocked wrote on May 21, 2007 9:57 AM:

" Here is my opinion for the matter: I have lived here in Fort Berthold all my life and I have 4 children and my life was hard also. there were times I had no money for stuff or to take care of my family. But no where in my mind would I ever hurt any of my children I don't care what kind of person you are or what you went through. You just dont hurt the people you love. He was a gift for her and she choose to kill him where was your compassion and her forgiveness. Knowing she was leaving this baby alone for 2 weeks. And there she was smiling around and taken care of her other 3 children did she at all think there is a baby dieing in a basket where she left him.. So even if she was a good mother to her other children why???? Why??? did she do this to a helpless little boy..Good mothers don't kill there kids and she deserve her fate. And god will judge her and she will suffer and maybe she is already suffering now.. she has to see the baby in her Dreams and hear his cries at night. So stop making excuses for her. She knew what she was doing and it was Murder good mother or not. There are many people out there having a much harder time then she claims but they are not killing there little baby boys. "

Big Al wrote on May 21, 2007 9:38 AM:

" Again i say good job F.B.I. hugo you make me sick ok. "

WEA wrote on May 21, 2007 9:12 AM:

" FoR bAbY mOseS Little boy on the hill Oh! So cold and lying still Little boy full of grace I can trace the image of your face Little boy forever young Year after Year I wish u were here I cling to images of u but can't cry Should it be me l ask myself why. There is an aching emptiness in my soul A simple darkness and irreplaceable hole Then all of a sudden it hit me with a darkened despair My memories have be come faint of you It's a reality i will never touch But the Memories they have of you will never be erased For I am the little boy on the hill Oh! so cold and lying still Little boy full of grace Little boy forever young So My MOM take a big breath and finally let go for life without u I will never know. For I am a little boy on the hill Oh! so cold an lying still A little boy u could never replace... "

From Down the River wrote on May 21, 2007 8:44 AM:

" People, why do judge one another? It's a sad case even for her children right now! That's what's wrong with America we judge, who are we to judge. You all sit here in judgement with our standards of living. God will do the judging, not you! Get off your soapbox of trying to live the perfect life, no one will never be perfect in this world. so get off it! People just Pray for her and her children right now! Quit judging, until you been there or walked in her shoes!!! "no one knows." Peace "

ative guy wrote on May 21, 2007 8:40 AM:

" I knew her when she was a small girl, I've believe some stuff happened to her when she was growng up I believe her father did something to when she was small. thats probably bothering her to. where is her husband at why ain't he in jail to he is probably involved to why didn't the FBI do anything to him. "

mother of three angels wrote on May 20, 2007 11:56 PM:

" This woman doesn't even deserve to be called a mother. I hope that she goes to prison for the rest of her life and hope her cell mates beat the crap out of her every mother's day. "

New Town Gal wrote on May 20, 2007 6:58 PM:

" Baby Moses could've been someones dream but she killed him. I hope that the law does what it has to do "

Online Editor wrote on May 20, 2007 2:04 PM:

" To ishawii: I cannot easily verify the information that you are posting. Because of that it could be considered libelous and cannot be published on the Web site. "

sandi sandi from cheyenne wrote on May 20, 2007 1:29 PM:

" GOD BLESS THIS CHILD, I WOULD HAVE GIVEN MY HEART TO HAVE HIM. HE IS IN GOD'S LOVING HANDS. "

Marmie wrote on May 20, 2007 1:18 AM:

" She is my sister and i love her. "

Baby Moses wrote on May 20, 2007 12:27 AM:

" I have to say, what about Baby Moses? We talk about prevention and have all these programs for families, children and infants..... so WHY haven't any of these programs both tribal and nontribal programs do something in Honor of Baby Moses who died a terrible death! Eight years have gone by and the little boy would have been 8 yrs. old by now. But in reality, I have not heard of one program who has done anything in memory or honor this little holy being who lived for a short time on this earth before returning back to the Creator. So my question is to those who say they care, how can your program help prevent incidents like this, educate young mothers! Doctors/Social Services and Health Educators can also do more in this area of prevention. And what about all the people who commented here, what can each of you do to contribute to a worthy cause. Yes we post our comments of how people feel about this situation, and yes sympathy, prayers and christian point of view to down right telling it like it is, but all in all ~ I am asking each of you to think of Baby Moses as each of our own son and what can we do in memory of him? Think about that and use your energy in a positive sense, encourage programs to do the same, people you know. Let Baby Moses death not be in vain but in memory. "

Fort Bethold Native wrote on May 19, 2007 11:04 PM:

" I was at the funeral for baby doe. It was a very sad day knowing that this baby wouldn't get a chance to live. Everyone came to the funeral to show respect. How could a mother so cruel and out of her mind kill their own child? I'm glad that that FBI didn't give up on this case and that this woman will be locked up. "

Mandan wrote on May 19, 2007 8:34 PM:

" to Wait I hate to tell you but this is an unforgivable situation. When I worked as an EMT I saw a baby that was just left to die and they suffer severely. She could have gone to someone there was no exceuse for what she did and yes if we had the death penalty in this state then yes she would deserve it. I have seen parents that have "lost it" and done terrible things to their children but when that child dies because of it then they deserve the same fate as the child. To just walk out of the room/home and never look back and just allow that child to starve to death is disgusting and yes she is a monster. "

WAIT wrote on May 19, 2007 4:05 PM:

" I like each and everyone of you have read this article over and over. I feel so many mixed emotions when it comes to this situation. All that there is to know is put out there. She is in jail are you not satisfied with that? She has three other beautiful children and you make her out to be a monster. Take a moment to think about that. I have known her for many years and I am just as shocked as all of you. It is not your place to judge her she will be judged by God. There is a freedom of speech and you are all entitiled to your opinion and whether or not you choose to voice it is your right. But breaking her down online with all your comments doesnt mean a thing. You only add to this hardship. You should all be ashamed of yourself. What can be done now. There is NO excuse for what she did but you can help by sending your prayers not your negativity. She and her family have been through enough over the years, too much for your simple hearts to understand. There are a few things to think about, FORGIVENESS and COMPASSION for one another LOOK IT UP!!! She is in my thoughts and prayers every single day. Thank you for your time. "

A former Bismarkian wrote on May 19, 2007 6:24 AM:

" Does North Dakota have the death penalty for murder? If not, this should be a text book case as for why it needs it. "

Mom of 3 wrote on May 19, 2007 3:58 AM:

" I do not think there is anything racial about the comments. There are other people apparently Native that are just as upset as the rest of us. I don't care if a person is white, black, brown, purple or green, what she did is wrong. I do understand postpartum depression and feel for her in that regard. Having worked in the field she was in, she had access to help. However, that is the thing with postpartum depression, you are not thinking straight at all and perhaps this is the case. If she did go through postpartum depression, I feel for her (although still can't fathom taking a life that I created), but if not, then she is the monster as portrayed by others. "

no mercy wrote on May 19, 2007 3:08 AM:

" i agree with most about this, being she has to be punished for her actions..show her NO MERCY, as she has shown to her son. This is very sad because, the baby boy didnt have anyone or thing around him and her herself knownin that she thought she could get away with it is just plain stupid and very sickening..also to the people who worked on the case and never gave up..ur work is very much appreciated!! "

Angel in Heaven wrote on May 19, 2007 12:36 AM:

" Please don't judge this mother, for she will ultimately be judged by Jesus for her acts. Unkind words only bring more. Baby Moses is an Angel in Heaven now. "

hugo wrote on May 18, 2007 10:40 PM:

" oh god were perfect people, and a bunch of sick people all in one. big al says good job fbi, this case only exhausted 4 years, no wonder we can find the number one man. lets get to the next column and bring all that almighty racism out, talk about sickening. "

unoun wrote on May 18, 2007 10:22 PM:

" cut her some slack gosh even though she did something bad cant she have some forgiveniss "

Sad Sad Situation wrote on May 18, 2007 9:29 PM:

" Has anybody in that kind of mind tried to seek help? Sounds like her hubby wasn't the biggest help, but have been in an abusive relationship for a very short time.. because of the kids & believe me there are resources! The Adult resource center is the first. They are unbelievable! zzzzzzzzAnd then to carry around all that guilt for all these years. Still unbelievable! Great Job by all involved in the investigation!!!!!! I hope the judge shows no sympathy What goes around comes around... Hopefully she gets it while serving life in prison!!!! "

so sad wrote on May 18, 2007 8:44 PM:

" You have a young mother who had no help was not on WIC,and probably no where to turn, alot of people would say oh yeah she had help, but not everyone uses up the system, This was a young girl for god sakes. we have people who have four or five children and they say they can take care of them. I don't think so you have them running around and drinking and maybe your mothers are watching them, so don't condemn people right away until you fill those shoes..Has anyone heard of post partum depression well look it up.For Gods sakes she took care of the baby right then, where was her family who knew she was PG. The doctors they should be recommending some kind of birth control after young girls get PG the first time, young girls don't say I want to have three kids before I turn 25. On the res people just except it, when girls get pg its like it is normal. Parents are not parents they are young girls having babies,kids having kids. We need this corrected. We need adult educators out there teaching these kids how to have a healthy normal life style,what we have are people who just need a pay check lets get some qualified help out there for these young girls and boy. So problems like this don't come up again. Thanks "

Lock her UP! wrote on May 18, 2007 7:54 PM:

" 8 Yrs with knowing that was her child in that suit case... 8 Yrs of knowing what you have done to your child....how could someone live with themselves. And on top of that working at a Child program. How could you care for someones else children and not even think of your own first! HOW!? "

Mother of 2 wrote on May 18, 2007 6:36 PM:

" This lady WAS a WIC worker. She knew what was available for her children. Some women will do anything to keep a man and take care of them. So she did not seek help. She made a choice and bad choices to where she is facing the consequences now. She had knowledge and access to all the human service programs and worked in the system, so whatever excuse she has is an excuse. "

native sister wrote on May 18, 2007 6:32 PM:

" even with all of this out on the table and people judging ms deegan we need to be strong for the families involved in this mess. what she did is inexcusable and yes she will be punished for it but we need to pray for her because she is a sister to many. I know what her family has gone thru over the years. Hang in there dana you are in my thoughts and prayers! "

Grandmother wrote on May 18, 2007 6:30 PM:

" I live in Mandaree. I remember when this happened and was shocked and cried for the baby. I could not imagine WHO could do such a thing to a baby. Our babies depend on us as mothers, grandmothers, aunts, sisters and relatives. It is the womans place to take care of the children. The News said they picked her up at her work and worked for a children's program? I cannot believe they had such a person working with other children! Whether people defend her or justify, does not matter what they say. There is something very wrong with this person, there is something wrong with any person who hurts a child to the point of killing them! Abuse is abuse, no matter how you look at it. Neglect of animals or children happens a lot and it is with those that cannot defend themselves. No matter how a person tries to sound pitiful, hardship and what not, it still does not change the fact, a little innocent baby boy died and was thrown in a suitcase to hide them or throw them away like garbage! And the scarey part of this whole incident is that she knew what she was doing and did it! I feel for our grandchildren and children who are the ones who suffer because now days, the younger parents are so much into drugs, drinking, running around, leaving their kids here and there and think social services will find a baby sitter for them. Talk to these young parents! "

MOTHER OF 2 CHILDREN wrote on May 18, 2007 5:23 PM:

" We all know that when a person is pregnent that they go through a lot of emotions. But when a person goes through that then they should think about talking to someone. Even at that time there was a program called WIC that she could have been on. If she had small children under the age of 5 at that time they also would have quilified for WIC also. Then they could have used that food to feed the family when her husdand was out of work. She should have also have either gave him a choice either you quit those things and help support this family or get out. Had she of done that she could have gotten help from Social Services along with counseling that she possibly needed. Know if she is found guilty then she will go to jail maybe for the rest of her life. Where was her family members at this time? When she needed them the most. Had they of been there maybe this wouldn't of happened. May God watch over you and the other children that are involved in all of t this. "

To Saddened wrote on May 18, 2007 4:54 PM:

" I am the one who made the To Mother's comments and do not feel at all ashamed about what I have said or feel, as a matter of fact if this "so called" mother more like "villain" in my mind was standing before me I would tell her that in my eyes she deserves the same fate that she placed on her child. How dare her!!! I feel no remorse for her just like she felt no remorse for torturing her own flesh and blood for 2 weeks. Everyone talks about compassion, well until these people can see compassion then they should be shown ZERO themselves. "

sad wrote on May 18, 2007 4:54 PM:

" I just can't stop thinking about "Baby Moses". I get the chills and everytime I think about it, I picture him being alone, hungry, crying, for TWO WEEKS. WHY! I get a big lump in my throat and I want to hug my own children tightly and never let me go. Then my sadness turns to anger. Dana should be left all alone, no human contact for the rest of her life. Don't feed her or give her water. The poor newborn baby boy sufferd horrbily because this stupid woman was selfish. Because she couldn't care for it. Then why make him suffer. Why didn't she kill him right away. Oh, I just get so angry because I come from an abusive childhood and anytime I hear about children being abused/neglected, my heart literally hurts. "

saddened wrote on May 18, 2007 4:27 PM:

" Hello, I don't beleive we should attack one another on this comments page. Yes, we do have a right to express our opinions, but let's do it in a good way. I'm from the Mandaree community and am very saddened by this news. I have a heavy heart with tears in my eyes as I write this. All we can do is Pray. Pray for Ms. Deegan and her family. We all know it is hard dealing with Post Partum Depression, well anyone who is a mother or anyone who knows anything about motherhood. It's not our job to judge her. It breaks my heart to think of that little boy. But he is in a Better Place right now with Our Lord and Savior. I'm sure it is probably hard and shocking for those who worked with her, to hear of this news. Let them adjust and grieve also. Don't attack the "mothers" commenter. "

Stepper wrote on May 18, 2007 3:54 PM:

" Mothers: Ms. Deegan has been charged with murder and has been arrested. The article states that up front. She could not have been arrested without evidence to base a charge on. She gave an affidavit that the baby was born live and she cleaned it, dressed it, fed it and then left it alone for two weeks. Did she think the baby would still be alive after two weeks? It is God's judgment and not ours morally but legally she has to face what she did and be held accountable unless she is proven insane. "

Sickening wrote on May 18, 2007 3:20 PM:

" This whole story is absolutely sickening. I realize the defendant is innocent until proven guilty, but for crying out loud, what the heck is our society coming to? I can come to terms with post partum mothers who kill their children by drowning, offering a quick death (not that I can fathom it, but just try to understand) but to leave a baby to starve and dehydrate to death??? TO SUFFER LIKE THAT??? I just cannot believe there are people in this world that would do something like that. Did drugs or alcohol play a part? (Was she also using with her husband?) Did she suffer mental illness? I have to somehow in my mind think there is more to this-how can a "sane" person do this? The other question that I REALLY need to ask, is "How can this person then work for an agency dealing with children???" It's not a Native v. White issue, it is a HUMANITY issue. This stuff cuts across cultural and race lines, you hear about it from all walks of life. I wouldn't even know what the heck to do with a person like that..... this really breaks my heart. "

To Mothers wrote on May 18, 2007 2:31 PM:

" Heaven forbide if we'd all have Compassionate, loving and caring mother's like she is. None of us would be here. Give me a break!! You can not be serious in what you are saying, if you are there is help available!! "

Native grandmother wrote on May 18, 2007 2:30 PM:

" I don't believe the real reason for this woman's cruel and selfish action will come to light. There is all kinds of help and people willing to adopt a child, to care and nuture this baby, when the real mother couldn't, or wouldn't. There is no excuse in my book to the inhumane suffering brought on to this poor helpless baby. I pray the angels took Baby Moses quickly to his real home. I am just sickened each time I think of this. I wondered what became of this story.dduzj "

Mom of 2 wrote on May 18, 2007 2:28 PM:

" To Mothers, It terribly offends me that you would use the title mother when you posted comments like you did. It's very sad when there are people in this world that are defending her like you are. It's a disgrace, unhuman and just downright sick to even think someone could possibly think to harm their own child and now there are people defending her. You need as much help as she does. "

Christian beliefs wrote on May 18, 2007 2:18 PM:

" This is probably a true test of forgiveness. No matter if people see her as a monster or whatever else, I feel bad for her, her children, and all else affected by this terrible tragedy. Maybe I should hate her and be mad at her but right now I can't. This whole story breaks my heart. I believe Baby Moses forgave his mother immediately upon joining our Lord. That is the power of Christ. I don't believe Baby Moses wanted justice. Only for his mother to repent and ultimately have her salvation so they may one day be together with our Heavenly Father. People may read this and think i'm far too soft but I pray that my heart is being led by my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. No matter what you do, what you say, HE will always love you. I believe HE still loves Dana Deegan. Pray for her, pray that she repents. May Christ be in all your hearts. "

Leonard wrote on May 18, 2007 2:13 PM:

" This is a very sad case. I can't imagine (as a parent) feeling so desperate that I would leave my newborn alone to die. I can't imagine living with this on my mind day in and day out. I know that the courts will be convened to stand in her judgement. Somehow I can't help but believe that this women hasn't been harder on herself than any courts will ever be. My prayers are with her and her family. May the soul of her son now be at peace. "

a mom wrote on May 18, 2007 1:51 PM:

" iwould have gladly taken this baby and raised him as my own. there are alot of women who would love to have a baby but are not fortunate enough to carry one. i feel like crying every time i think of how that precious gift from god left the world. he didn't ask to be born, and he didn't ask to die. god bless "

mothers wrote on May 18, 2007 1:50 PM:

" For the words that were written in the comment boxes before me, you have your opinions and right to freedom of speech but how dare you be so judgemental. We are a small reservation and all know each other or are connected in some way to each other through friends and family. What happened to Innocent until proven Guilty. The case is still being investigated, no charges have been placed on any one yet. For those of you that don't know her personally, regardless of what is being charged she IS a good mother, a compassionate, loving person, not some monster. If this is true, did you not think she was sick and maybe she needs help and support instead of condemning. All the facts are not in, the investigation is still ongoing. For this to be true she needs help she was not of stable mind. The baby was an innocent, if it was a stillborn infant and she handled it that way it is proof she needs help. We do not have the right to judge her it is only our Lord God who has that right. My prayers have always been and always will be with her and her family and her children. "

sad mother wrote on May 18, 2007 1:40 PM:

" i hope that Baby Moses is now content to know that this woman who is his biological mother now will be brought to justice. She will still have to answer to the Almighty Man Above. May God Bless and continue to take care of Baby Moses. My thoughts and prayers will be for him and with him. "

Sick wrote on May 18, 2007 1:18 PM:

" This woman is sick for doing this. And for you natives stop feeling sorry for yourself. This happens in every cultural background. Don't think that you are emune. There is good and bad in every race of people. "

Native Mother wrote on May 18, 2007 12:31 PM:

" Ms. Deegan is NO mother. What a disgrace to the word "mother". A "mother" would never intentionally murder her offspring! I'm sad for that infant and the sufferring that "Baby Moses" did. What about Ms. Deegan's family? Had they noticed that she was no longer pregnant? Leave this monster in a dark cell without food or water for a year. Let's see how she likes it!!! "

enough wrote on May 18, 2007 11:29 AM:

" maybe it is time for the state to consider cases like this, if women continue to have children without the finances to support them and we as taxpayers are forced to support them sterilization should be considered and this innocent child would not have suffered. "

P S wrote on May 18, 2007 11:06 AM:

" yes, what she did was shameful but at the same time, there are others like her in prison. one who put TWO of her kids in the backseat of her vehicle and drove it into a lake then claimed they were kidnapped. Yes, these people are sick and are in need of help. the Native community often takes care of it's own. why could she not take comfort in that. Another woman drowned her children in the bathtub. might i add these were white women. we all suffer from trauma of birth and then to add post partum depression to the mix is lethal. no matter for whom. "

DB wrote on May 18, 2007 10:42 AM:

" What a shame, so many people long to have a child of their own while others simply toss a child away like trash, how that poor baby suffered. So sad. "

A Mother wrote on May 18, 2007 10:42 AM:

" Well sorry to say that she has to be a Native and ruin it for all of us and kill our own people especially our own blood, she deserves to be jailed for what she did, poor baby boy it wasn't his fault for being born. "

k l wrote on May 18, 2007 10:35 AM:

" I lived in the Mandaree area at the same time that baby Moses was found . I have always been effected by this case as I can not image how a monster can do that to a baby. A gift from above to be murdered. Thank god the fbi didn’t give up and thank god that baby Moses will have justice "

Big Al wrote on May 18, 2007 9:51 AM:

" Good job to the F.B.I. for the work on the case. "

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