Two years after Baby Boy Horry was was found dead on the side of an Horry County road, a small group took part in a memorial service for him Thursday afternoon. His death could have been prevented if his parents had utilized South Carolina's safe haven law.
Ten years ago, South Carolina adopted Daniel's Law after a baby in Allendale County survived being buried in a landfill. Daniel's Law allows someone to take a child less than 30 days old to a hospital, fire station, or even a church without facing prosecution.
Baby Boy Horry was born in December, but he never got the chance to enjoy Christmas. While he didn't live a long life, those who came to his memorial are like his extended family. Despite not knowing him, Thursday's service was an emotional one.
June Dreskin, who attended the service, says she was outraged when she heard the news of his death. Today, she still hold a special place in her heart for him. "It just breaks my heart that he wasn't given an opportunity to have a family and love and joy in his heart."
Two years ago, Baby Boy Horry was found in a wooded area on Meadowbrook Drive off Highway 544. Officials say he was born alive, and with medical attention, he would have survived. With the safe haven law in place, many don't understand why this happened.
"You don't know what goes on in the mind of other people or walked in their shoes. We have no idea. I just hope they can find peace with it now, because they have to be forgiven by the man upstairs," said Art Junga, who attended the service.
While Baby Boy Horry met unfortunate circumstances, many at Thursday's memorial hope this doesn't happen again and are looking for answers.
"Someone will find the strength to come forward and give information necessary to give closure to this little boy and his life," added Dreskin.
The area where the baby was discovered is just a few miles away from a safe haven - Conway Medical Center.
If you have any information for police about Baby Boy Horry, you're asked to call 843-915-TIPS. You can remain anonymous.
