In this Thursday, Dec. 6, 2018, photo mourners gather for the funeral of Baby Jane Doe at Sunnyslope Cemetery in Corona, Calif., as Corona police department Chaplin Jon Castillo, far right, delivers the eulogy Thursday morning. (Will Lester, Inland Valley Daily Bulletin/SCNG via AP)
More than four months after a newborn girl was found dead in a cardboard box along a Southern California highway, community members came together Thursday to pay their respects as authorities continue the search for the girl's relatives.
A group of donors raised funds to provide a burial service for the girl, who's known as "Baby Jane Doe."
She was discovered July 27, wrapped in a t-shirt with stripes and a floral pattern near Interstate 15 in Corona, located east of Los Angeles.
Jon Castillo, a Corona police chaplain, led about 70 people in prayer near the tiny, flower-draped casket Thursday, the Press-Enterprise reported.
"Every person who walks the planet is born in God's image, and she had inherent value and worth," he told those gathered at the service.
The newborn infant was found in a cardboard box near the 15 freeway in Corona in July. Corona police and fire departments along with others contributed to make the funeral possible for the child. (Will Lester, Inland Valley Daily Bulletin/SCNG via AP)
The coroner's department has been unable to determine the cause of the girl's death, and attempts to identify any potential family members through DNA have also been unsuccessful.
“We just wanted to make sure that the little girl got a proper burial," Sgt. Chad Fountain told the Press-Enterprise
SEARCH EXPANDS FOR COLORADO MOM, 29, LAST SEEN ON THANKSGIVING
Those who attended the service, which featured flowers and stuffed animals, said they felt compelled to show up for the child.
“It touches your heart,” Marilyn Aguilar said. “I just thought that coming out and showing support for this unknown baby was something we had to do.”
Monica Montejano, from Corona, Calif., places stuffed animals atop the grave of Baby Jane Doe at Sunnyslope Cemetery in Corona, Calif.. Police are still searching for the person or persons responsible. (Will Lester, Inland Valley Daily Bulletin/SCNG via AP)
The Corona Police Department reminded people the city offers several sites, including police stations, fire stations and hospitals — where parents can give up an infant within 72 hours of birth with no questions asked.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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