Trigger warning: child death

According to police, a baby found dead in a trash bin in the bathroom of a Dallas County restaurant in July was stillborn. Police officers had been alerted to an Applebee’s in the 1900 block of North Belt Line Road, near State Highway 183, on July 26, after staff found the lifeless body of the child while cleaning the bathroom.

The 29-year-old mother of the infant had given birth in the bathroom and placed the child in the trash bin, police say. Staff discovered the baby’s body nearly half-hour after the woman had left the restaurant.

Irving police say they were planning on referring an abuse of corpse charge to the Dallas County district attorney’s office. A grand jury will determine if the mother should face criminal charges, police say.

Unlike the case of the Ohio cheerleader, Brooke Skylar Richardson, 20, who claimed her child was born stillborn before burying the infant in the backyard, and who was ultimately cleared of murder charges, it remains to be seen if this mother could face similar charges.

In Richardson’s case, the controversy arose from the inconsistencies between the defendant’s claims and the police testimony. Many claimed that the former cheerleader was cleared in a clear case of white privilege.

Before delivering the sentence, Warren County Judge Donald Oda II addressed the defendant, telling her, "I've always sort of thought of this case, Ms. Richardson, as a story of two little girls -- Skylar Richardson and Annabelle Richardson. I think what often gets overlooked ... is just how precious life is," he said. "Your life, Annabelle's life. Life is precious, and it should be protected, and it should be guarded in all respects."

Given that most states offer some form of health assistance to expectant mothers, it is often difficult to understand why some women choose to take the decision over a newborn’s life into their own hands. Experts advise women experiencing mental health issues to call 911 if they are thinking about harming themselves or the baby, or if they are concerned about someone who is pregnant.

RELATED: Brooke Skylar Richardson Gives Her First Interview Since Being Acquitted Of Murdering Baby

Also, Postpartum Support International (PSI) works to increase awareness among public and professional communities about the emotional changes that women may experience during pregnancy and postpartum. Expectant mothers can call 1-800-944-4PPD (4773) to leave a message, and a volunteer will call back as soon as possible to provide support and resources in your area.