Federal agents are assisting Michigan State Police as investigators review forensic evidence, festival video and a growing number of tips.
ROTHBURY, Mich. — The FBI has joined the investigation into the death of a newborn found in a portable restroom at the Electric Forest music festival and is offering a reward of up to $15,000 for information that helps identify and convict anyone involved.
The FBI’s Detroit Field Office is assisting Michigan State Police in the investigation, which began after a portable restroom company employee discovered the infant during routine maintenance June 28. The restroom was in a camping area used during the four-day festival at the Double JJ Resort in Rothbury.
The federal reward is available for information leading to the identification, arrest and conviction of the individual or individuals involved in the infant’s death. No arrests have been announced, and authorities have not publicly identified the baby or the person who gave birth.
Michigan State Police Lt. Pat Agema said investigators believe people may have information that could help resolve the case. He also expressed confidence that forensic testing will play an important role in determining what happened and identifying anyone connected to the newborn.
“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 size of the festival has made the inquiry unusually broad. Agema said about 50,000 people attended Electric Forest and roughly 12,000 others worked at the event. Investigators are reviewing video and following leads submitted since the infant was found. The festival’s national reach was among the reasons federal assistance became useful, he said.
A preliminary autopsy determined that the full-term baby was viable and born alive, according to state police. Authorities have not publicly released the infant’s sex, an official cause or manner of death, or a complete account of the circumstances surrounding the birth. The investigation remains open, and police have not announced criminal charges.
The discovery was made on the final scheduled day of the festival. Early reports said the infant was found by a cleaning crew working for the portable restroom vendor. Investigators have since worked to identify the baby, locate the person who gave birth and determine whether anyone else was present or had relevant information.
The investigation has also been complicated by rumors shared online. Michigan State Police said they investigated a tip involving a Muskegon-area woman who attended the festival. The woman cooperated with investigators and was eliminated as a suspect after an interview and other investigative steps, police said.
State police have urged the public to avoid speculation and the circulation of unverified names. Agema said multiple investigators are working on the case each day and that tips continue to arrive. Authorities have not disclosed how many tips have been received or whether any have produced a confirmed identification.
Information may be provided to Michigan State Police at 1-855-MICHTIP, through a local FBI office or through the FBI’s online tip system. The reward remains available as state and federal investigators continue reviewing forensic evidence, video and witness information.
Author note: Last updated July 14, 2026.