McVEYTOWN — The Mifflin County Coroner’s Office on Friday released additional details regarding the death investigation involving a newborn infant discovered earlier this month near Mount Hope Road in Wayne Township.

According to Coroner Andre L. Alcalde, the coroner’s office was dispatched around 6 p.m. May 15 following the discovery of a deceased newborn found face down along an embankment in McVeytown.

Alcalde confirmed the infant was a full-term baby girl and said investigators documented evidence of prolonged environmental exposure and insect activity at the scene.

The coroner said the infant was discovered unclothed with a cut umbilical cord still present. The release stated multiple fly egg masses were identified on the body, including on the scalp, ears, nose, arms, legs and skin folds, while blow flies and black ants were observed on and around the infant at the time she was discovered.

According to the release, further examination indicated the newborn survived for a period of time after birth before being exposed to the elements. Numerous insect-related injuries were identified both before and after death, with many located on the infant’s face.

Investigators also recovered the placenta about 50 feet away inside a white trash bag with a remaining portion of the umbilical cord attached, according to the release.

The coroner’s office stated investigators believe the newborn was left alive on the embankment before the child’s mother, Jordyn Lynn Kauffman, reported to work in the Mount Union area. The release stated Kauffman was later sent home for medical evaluation at Geisinger-Lewistown Hospital after experiencing significant blood loss.

An autopsy conducted May 16 at Mount Nittany Medical Center found the infant appeared otherwise healthy and full-term, weighing about 6 pounds at birth. The coroner said the placenta also was examined as part of the forensic evaluation, which identified the presence of inhaled environmental material in the infant’s lungs.

The official cause of death remains pending additional forensic testing and toxicology review, though the manner of death has been ruled a homicide, according to the coroner.

“This baby girl was treated with dignity and care throughout this investigation,” Alcalde said in the release. “The circumstances surrounding her death have weighed heavily on first responders, investigators, medical personnel and all agencies involved in this case.”

Kauffman, 20, of McVeytown, previously was charged by Pennsylvania State Police with criminal homicide, aggravated assault, endangering the welfare of children, concealment of the death of a child, recklessly endangering another person and abuse of a corpse in connection with the investigation. Court records show she remains incarcerated at Mifflin County Prison without bail pending a preliminary hearing.

The investigation remains ongoing.