Phoenix police officers saves newborn baby, mom found dead

PHOENIX (CNN, KYMA/KECY) - Phoenix police officers found a newborn clinging to life with the mother dead inside an apartment back in May.

They released body camera footage Thursday of officers responding to the call.

The young mother's death is still under investigation.

New body camera video shows the moments Phoenix police officers spotted a baby in need through a window.

"A neighbor who courageously called 911, and let officers know that they saw something suspicious. They realized that their neighbor, they hadn't heard from them," said Sgt. Brian Bower with the Phoenix Police Department (PPD).

Packages gathering outside the door also tipping off that neighbor.

Police responded to the South Phoenix apartment near Illini Street and Central finding the baby's mom dead inside and the newborn clinging to life.

"We don't know how many days the child went without the care of the mother. The child was in poor health, extremely dehydrated," Sgt. Bower shared.

The mother has been identified, by family members, as 31-year-old Jade Hardin and her baby as Harmony. They believe she was just weeks old when Hardin died.

"I got the worst phone call of my life. Her child's father of her first child got in contact with us," said Rachel Hardin, Hardin's sister.

Hardin's family says they live in Ohio.

A news outlet in Phoenix spoke with the father of Hardin's older son, who described his former wife as very private, but loved by their child.

"She was an outstanding person. She was awesome. She was funny. She got along with everybody," said Timesha Hardin, Hardin's other sister.

Everyone who knew Hardin now waiting to get answers.

"We know that there was no foul play in that apartment. It was a very clean apartment, no signs of anything obvious that would understand or would lead detectives to knowing what the cause of death was," Bower said.

Some called Harmony a "miracle baby."

"So to this day, the child is in good health. Department of Child Safety is intimately involved in this investigation," Bower spoke.

Hardin's loved ones are thankful that neighbor cared enough to call.

"Very thankful for the neighbor and whoever you are. Thank you so much. We do appreciate it," Timesha expressed.

The Maricopa County Medical Examiner's Office is now investigating Hardin's cause of death.