Angel statues found in bag with newborn girl in Mississippi River

One of several angel figures found inside a bag containing a dead newborn.

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Now it turns out that the bag contained several items, in what seems to be some kind of spiritual care-package for the dead little girl. The Winona County Sheriff and Bureau of Criminal Apprehension released photos of the items this morning. They are nothing if not extremely eerie and sad.

A family out boating on Labor Day discovered the body of the baby wrapped up with the items floating down the river. Since then, investigators have been trying to figure out what happened to her. There was even some speculation that there could be a connection with three other newborns found dead in the river over the past 12 years in nearby Goodhue County.

With little to go on, authorities released photos of the items hoping it will jog someone's memory. They include a t-shirt, an embroidered bag, three angel statuettes and a large blue amulet. The amulet appears very similar to a nazar, which is supposed to protect against the "evil-eye." Investigators hope the items will lead them to the girl's mother.

"The infant does appear to be within a few days old and it was likely an unattended birth," says BCA spokeswoman Jill Oliveira. "Our concern is she may need medical help or mental health resources."

If anyone recognizes the items, they are being asked to call the Winona County Sheriff's tipline at 507-457-6530.

Check them out below:

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Previous coverage:

• Body of newborn girl found in Mississippi River; cops look for links to three other infant deaths