CHESAPEAKE, Va. — A woman pleaded guilty to first-degree murder in connection to the death of an infant boy found abandoned in Western Branch Park in Chesapeake over 20 years ago, according to officials.
The woman, 45-year-old Melissa Chrisman, entered a guilty plea in Chesapeake Circuit Court on Oct. 27.
Prosecutors said Chrisman was the mother of the infant boy found in the woods in January 2003. The newborn was found in the park by an 11-year-old boy, according to police. Police said when the baby was located, he was wrapped in two blankets and wearing an oversized diaper.
Following the discovery of the boy, investigators and the community named the baby "Daniel." His umbilical cord was still attached, leading investigators to believe he had recently been born.
The investigation into Daniel’s death went unsolved for years until Chesapeake police arrested Chrisman in January 2020. Police said they charged Chrisman with felony murder and felony child abuse and neglect following the ongoing criminal investigation and forensic testing.
Chrisman's sentencing is scheduled for March 7.
Stay with News 3 for updates.
