Police are reviewing evidence from a festival attended and staffed by thousands while working to separate credible leads from online rumors.
ROTHBURY, Mich. — Forensic testing, festival video and witness tips have become central to the investigation into a newborn’s death at Electric Forest as Michigan authorities caution the public against spreading unverified claims about possible suspects.
Michigan State Police have not identified the infant or the person who gave birth. The baby was found June 28 inside a portable restroom in a camping area at the Electric Forest music festival. A worker for the restroom vendor discovered the infant during routine maintenance, according to police.
An autopsy determined that the full-term baby was viable and born alive, state police said. Officials have not released an official cause or manner of death, and no criminal charges have been announced. Investigators are continuing to examine the circumstances of the birth and the events that followed.
Michigan State Police Lt. Pat Agema said investigators believe forensic evidence can help solve the case. He also said authorities believe some people may know relevant details but have not yet shared them with police.
“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.”
The inquiry covers a large pool of possible witnesses. Agema said about 50,000 people attended the festival and approximately 12,000 people worked there. Investigators are reviewing available video and following tips connected to the camping area, the portable restroom and activity during the festival’s final day.
The FBI’s Detroit Field Office has joined the investigation, adding federal resources to the work led by state police. The FBI is offering a reward of up to $15,000 for information leading to the identification, arrest and conviction of an individual or individuals involved in the infant’s death.
Agema said the festival’s size and national profile contributed to the decision to involve federal agents. Electric Forest draws visitors and workers from outside Michigan, creating the possibility that witnesses or people with useful information returned to other states before investigators could speak with them.
Police have also tried to limit damage caused by speculation on social media. A Muskegon-area woman was identified through a tip and questioned by investigators. State police later said she was fully cooperative and had been eliminated as a suspect after authorities completed interviews and other investigative steps.
The announcement clearing the woman was intended to correct misinformation that continued to circulate after the infant was found. Police have asked the public not to treat rumors, photographs or unverified names as evidence. False accusations can harm people who are not involved and divert attention from information investigators can confirm.
Several important questions remain unanswered. Authorities have not said whether they have identified the person who gave birth, established a precise timeline or determined whether another person was present. They also have not disclosed what festival video has shown or what forensic testing has been completed.
Agema said multiple people are assigned to the investigation daily and tips continue to come in. State police and the FBI are seeking information from anyone who observed unusual activity or has knowledge connected to the baby’s birth or death. The investigation remains active, with no arrest or suspect identification announced.
Author note: Last updated July 14, 2026.