Burned baby still had umbilical cord

Vigil to be held for baby burned to death in South Jersey
Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office

A baby killed by its mother had been born just minutes before the mother set it on fire, new police reports say.

Police found Hyphernkemberly Dorvilier, 22, with a can of WD-40 and a lighter, which she had used to ignite her baby girl just before 11 p.m. on Friday night in Pemberton Township, according to a police report.

The baby, which was wrapped in smoldering towel and papers, still had its umbilical cord and placenta attached, according to the report.

After a neighbor saw Dorvilier and heard the baby’s cries, he pinned her down until police arrived, during which time she allegedly said, “It’s not my baby.”

Dorvilier’s mother and sister, who shared a home with her, later told police they had no idea Dorvilier had given birth that night.

Dorvilier is charged with murder.

A spokesman for the Burlington County Prosecutor’s office declined to comment on whether mental illness was a factor in this murder.