Man Arrested After 16-Year-Old Gives Birth, Newborn Found in Memphis Dumpster

Man allegedly caught on surveillance placing an infant in a dumpster behind a gas station on East Shelby Drive.

A Memphis man has been arrested after authorities found a newborn baby discarded in a dumpster behind a Shell gas station. The heartbreaking discovery has led to serious charges against 45-year-old James Boothe, including rape of a child.

Disturbing Discovery Behind a Gas Station

According to the Memphis Police Department (MPD), Boothe was driving a 16-year-old girl to the hospital when she unexpectedly gave birth. Instead of seeking medical help for the newborn, Boothe allegedly placed the baby in a dumpster behind the gas station on East Shelby Drive. By the time officers arrived, it was too late—the infant had already passed away. The gas station owner, who later reviewed surveillance footage, reported seeing a man tossing a trash bag into the dumpster. He believes that bag contained the infant, though authorities have not yet confirmed the exact cause of death.

The Teen Mother and Tennessee’s Safe Haven Law

The 16-year-old mother was taken to a hospital in non-critical condition. Authorities emphasized that Tennessee has Safe Haven laws, which allow a parent to legally surrender an unharmed newborn at a fire station or hospital within two weeks of birth—no questions asked. In such cases, the parent would not face criminal charges.

Boothe’s Troubling Criminal History

Initially charged with abuse of a corpse, Boothe is now facing rape of a child after investigators learned he had been in a relationship with the teenager for three years. Court records reveal a deeply troubling past: - In 1994, Boothe was charged with first-degree murder at just 15 years old. He later pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and was sentenced to 25 years in prison. - In 2013, he received an 11-year prison sentence and 11 years of probation for theft and financial fraud. - In 2017, Boothe was charged with promoting prostitution. A Facebook page linked to Boothe states that he worked as a maintenance lead at ALCO properties.

His mugshot, released by the Shelby County Sheriff's Office, shows him wearing an ALCO uniform.

What Happens Next? As the investigation continues, authorities are working to determine the exact cause of the newborn’s death. Meanwhile, Boothe remains in custody, facing severe legal consequences for both his alleged role in the child’s death and his relationship with the teenage girl.

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