A 45-year-old man was with the woman who gave birth in New Hampshire woods and left the child in freezing temperatures, the Manchester Police Department said.
Police said there is an arrest warrant for George Theberge of Manchester in connection with the birth of the baby in the woods on Dec. 26. Theberge, police said, is wanted on charges of felony tampering with witnesses, reckless conduct and endangering the welfare of a child.
Police responded around 12:40 a.m. Dec. 26. Eckersley told police and firefighters that she had prematurely given birth in a tent located in a wooded area, but first responders could not find the tent or the newborn child.Read more: Alexandra Eckersleys family in shock as she is accused of leaving newborn
After an hourlong search in below-freezing temperatures, Eckersley then relayed the correct location and led officers to the area, police said in a statement.
The baby was treated by emergency medical technicians and then taken to a hospital for treatment. Investigators said the baby weighed 4 pounds.
The 26-year-old and daughter of Boston Red Sox legend and former NESN broadcaster Dennis Eckersley, was arrested on an unrelated warrant out of Concord District Court for endangering the welfare of a child and was charged with reckless conduct in connection with the most recent incident, police said.
According to WMUR, Eckersley has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Her family said they found out about the incident from the news and did not know she was pregnant, according to a statement from the family.
We are utterly devastated by the events that unfolded on Christmas night when our daughter Allie delivered a baby while living in a tent, the Eckersley family said in a statement. It is heartbreaking that a child was born under such unthinkable conditions and in such tragic circumstances. We learned with everyone else from news reports what happened and are still in complete shock.Read more: Woman gave birth in NH woods, misled responders searching for child, reports say
We have always offered Allie a path home but she had made other choices, the family added.
Anyone with information about Theberges whereabouts is asked to call Manchester Police at 603-668-8711 or through the Manchester Crimeline at 603-624-4040.
At the time of the birth, the temperatures were approximately 15 degrees and the baby was left alone in the tent for more than hour before police found the child.
Theberge is wanted on charges of Felony Tampering with Witnesses, Reckless Conduct and Endangering the Welfare of a Child. Eckersley has already been charged in connection with this incident.
Anyone with information about Theberges whereabouts should call Manchester Police at 603-668-8711. You can also remain anonymous and call the Manchester Crimeline at 603-624-4040.