[UPDATED with Charges Clarified:] Grisel Maria Ramirez Held in Newborn-napping Try
Also see updates: No. 3 on 9-1-1 audio and another hospital possibly targeted; No. 2 with photo evidence and the suspect's mugshot; and No. 1 with more details on the case.
Fortunately, the would-be baby-napper was apprehended before she left the hospital, reports Lt. Jeff Nightengale, the Garden Grove Police spokesman.
This happened just after 10 a.m., and hospital staff were alerted immediately about the infant being stolen, stated Nightengale, adding that the baby was recovered and immediately reunited with the mother.
No identities have been released, not even that of the suspected napper, who was only described as a female Hispanic adult. Facing kidnapping charges, she is being uncooperative with police, according to Nightengale.
UPDATE NO. 1, AUG. 6, 4:12 P.M.: Nightengale just concluded a press conference where he gave more details about this morning's incident.
He said the suspect is 48, a resident of Garden Grove about 20 years and that she likely entered the country illegally. She is not related to the mother nor the female baby, who was not injured, and Nightengale did not know if the suspect is a mother herself. She has no prior arrests.
Nightengale said surveillance video showed the would-be napper entering the hospital wearing scrubs that made it appear she was a hospital employee. She told the mother a doctor wanted her to take a shower, and while she was in the restroom the phony nurse placed the baby in the tote bag and walked out, according to the police spokesman.
Real hospital staff members were alerted to an emergency when the baby's electronic wrist bracelet triggered an alarm, according to Nightengale.
UPDATE NO. 2, AUG. 6, 7:15 P.M.: The Garden Grove Police Department identified the suspect as Grisel Maria Ramirez, 48, of Garden Grove.
The agency also released this booking photo:
| All photos courtesy of Garden Grove Police Department |
| Grisel Ramirez |
![]() |
![]() |






























