Police hope backpack will lead to mother of Baby Hope
The DuPage County sheriff's office is offering a $5,000 reward for anyone who provides information that helps identify or locate the mother of the newborn baby girl left last month along a private drive near Wheaton.
Sheriff's officials said the reward has been made available thanks to the Illinois Crime Commission.
"We are taking all leads and information from the public very seriously as we investigate this case," Major Dan McCarthy said in a written statement. "We believe someone in the community has information that is crucial in finding Baby Hope's parents and we are calling on that person to come forward. Your information will not only help us, but Baby Hope's mother, as we are concerned for her at this time."
Officials also released new images of the backpack Baby Hope was found in Aug. 15 on Plamondon Road, just east of Orchard Road.
Investigators are asking everyone to review the images and consider whether they've seen the backpack before.
DuPage County Coroner Richard Jorgensen said Thursday his office has no new information or autopsy results to share.
Anyone with information should contact the sheriff's office at (630) 407-2400 or text anonymously at 274637 with the word SHERIFF and your message.