MEMPHIS, TN - A toddler left at a Walmart in Southeast Memphis is in the custody of the state.
An employee found the abandoned two-year-old girl in the Winchester Road store Sunday afternoon, November 9, 2009. She's now with the Department of Children Services.
The little girl was found to be in good health. DCS officials tell us they have been in contact with the child's family. Whether or not the toddler was intentionally left at the Walmart remains to be seen. Either way shoppers are sympathizing with the girl.
“I have 8 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. This story just really touches my heart” says shopper Joann King.
According to police, the child was alone and crying when discovered by a store employee around 2:00 Sunday afternoon.
Initial attempts to contact the girl's family were unsuccessful, and it's not clear if her parents ever reported her missing.
Joann King thinks things like this happen all too frequently in a fast-paced world.
“I’m not really surprised. Things are happening. It's no surprise to me” says King.
DCS is investigating the case along with the Shelby County Juvenile Court. For now, they say it's too early to tell if charges will be filed.
An employee with Walmart tells us he believes the child was left accidentally in the store. He says it appeared there was a mix up among family members.
