Racine officials seek donations for dead baby's headstone

RACINE (WITI) -- The Racine County Sheriff's Office is seeking donations on behalf of a baby named Marianna that was born prematurely and died shortly after birth. The child was buried but does not have a headstone -- and there's more to this story.

In 2011, Racine officials investigated the sexual assault of a 14-year-old female. The victim was violently beaten and raped by her then boyfriend. As a result of the sexual assault, the victim became pregnant; the child was born prematurely and consequently passed away shortly after birth.  The then boyfriend was charged, pleads guilty and was recently sentenced to prison.

The baby girl named Marianna was buried at Calvary Cemetery on Kinzie Ave. in Racine. At the time of Marianna’s death, the victim did not have the financial means to provide a headstone or proper burial marker for baby Marianna.

So now, the Racine County Sheriff’s Office is trying to raise money on behalf of baby Marianna and the victim. All donations and proceeds will go directly to the victim and in memory of baby Marianna.

Those interested in donating can make contributions through Educators Credit Union to the Racine County Sheriff -- Baby Marianna Memorial Fund.