[KHTS] – A friend of a mother whose baby was found dead Saturday created an online fundraiser for the victim’s family.
The fundraiser page was set up by April Gunckel, who said she was a family friend of “Baby Ellorah.”
“This sweet baby girl brought so much joy to those that loved her and she will be deeply missed,” Gunckel said. “I have been a close friend to Tawni for many years and thought the last thing that Tawni and her family should worry about in these difficult times is how to take care of, or if they can afford, funeral accommodations.”
The 3-week-old baby was discovered inside the cab of a parked truck in the 23600 block of Newhall Avenue around 7 a.m. Saturday and pronounced dead at the scene, according to Lt. Holly Francisco of the Sheriff’s Department Homicide Bureau.
More than $800 had been raised as of Sunday morning, with a fundraiser goal of $10,000.
“She’s not in the situation financially to pay for the funeral expenses,” Gunckel said.
The money from the fundraiser will help her with those expenses and anything left over will be of some comfort and support to her, Gunckel said.
There was no information yet regarding funeral arrangements, except that an outside company had donated a casket, Gunckel said.
“Please consider donating, anything will help, please keep them in your thoughts and prayers,” Gunckel wrote on the page. “Thank you.”
For more information, find the fundraiser [here].
Baby Identified
County coroner’s officials have established the identify of the body of a 3-week-old baby found Saturday morning.
Ellorah Rose Warner, 19 days old, was discovered inside the cab of a parked truck in the 23600 block of Newhall Avenue around 7 a.m. Saturday and pronounced dead at the scene, according to Lt. Holly Francisco of the Sheriff’s Department Homicide Bureau.
The examination of the body took place Sunday, said Lt. Fred Corral from the Los Angeles County Coroner’s Department.
“The cause of death has been deferred,” Corral said, “meaning they will be running toxicology tests that the doctor’s ordered.”
The test results take between 6- 8 weeks.
Like this:
Like Loading...
Related
Tweet This
Facebook
Digg This
Bookmark
Stumble
RSS
REAL NAMES ONLY: All posters must use their real individual or business name. This applies equally to Twitter account holders who use a nickname.
101 Comments
Is this site legitimate? This is the second one I’ve seen. Perhaps someone needs to look into this.
Both sites are good- one from April and one from her friend Kim
Yes Heather, this site is legit.
Thanks Virginia Shands.
The mother is a friend of ours.
Funeral home may not charge since baby is so small
Oh they charge, trust me! Size of the deceased makes no difference. Funeral homes are in business to make money. Rip sweet little girl. So horrible!!
Actually that is not true. When my son passed away the day he was born, the funeral home have me an 80% discount on the services they normally charge. It is a program they have to care for families who face this kind of tragedy.
Wow that was nice that they gave u 80% cause when my daughter passed away at birth they didn’t give me anything 80%. My parents paid for there lot already and they didn’t let us use that lot to buried my daughter
I wish I had money to donate but I don’t I can only offer my condolences and prayers for this beautiful baby who is in God’s arm’s and her family.
Good question, Heather. There are TWO sites going on right now, actually.
“Found dead in the cab of a truck” wtf
Recently a Lancaster mother who’s son was kill in a car accident had a go fund me page set up, plus jars for donations around town. She wanted to send her son to Mexico to be buried. A month after the fund was set up, it was reported the mother took all the cash and had herself a good time and left her son at the morgue for 2 months unclaimed. The only way I would ever donate is to an escrow acct. where the money would go directly to the vendor. Too many scams. I know the cost of a funeral. 16 grand from the time they picked up my daughter to the time she was layed to rest. The plot alone was $7,000.00.
This is exactly why I asked. I want to help but I want the money to go for what it’s intended for and not someone else’s pocket.
I have also noticed the people that set up the sites do not even make a donation themselves. I have been scammed in the past and now I am very leary of who I donate to.
I would contact the two friends running the donation page and ask to make a donation directly to the funeral home
Have you guys looked into the circumstances that surrounded them finding this poor little girl? JUST those, in general, are enough to make me pause and NOT donate
Patty I’m so sorry for your lose. No one should ever have to loose a child. :(
I understand and agree with your concerns
I would be afraid funds would go to dads legal fees.
I’m sorry you had to bury your daughter, I hope God comforts your heart every day ♡
Some of you are being VERY judgemental and you need to STOP UNLESS you actually KNOW the facts! I donated to the “go fund me” acct because I know Tawni. and I know Kim who is the one who set it up! Tawni needs love and support as she is a devistated new mom who just lost her baby! Have some compassion.
Chris, If you read my original post you would understand why some people are afraid to donate to a stranger. Before social media one account would be set up at a bank and put in escrow so the donations only go for what it was intended for. I feel sorry for the baby. I hope she did not suffer.
Thank you Patty for sharing and I’m so sorry about your daughter!!
My daughter was 29 and passed unexpectedly five years ago. We never know when our time is up.
I was one of the ones who set up a local go fund for the girl Kimberly who died by the train in Canyon Country. Every single dime that was made through Go Fund went straight to the family. Even though I did the go fund the bank account that the go fund was connected to was Kimberly’s family. So not all of us are scams. I don’t know Tawni and this family personally but I do know my good friends are friends of hers and I know this is not a scam.
I did not know Kimberly personally at all. There was some of us local women who always help when stuff like this happens in our community and help get funds rolling in because half the time the families aren’t even thinking about that.
I was not the one who asked if this was a legitimate go fund me page. All I did was mentioned what had happened in Lancaster. The mom of the little boy that was killed got the money from go fund me and other donations. She just took the cash and spent it on HERSELF, not her son. She left him in the morgue for just about two months. the boy’s out of state family and a few kind hearted people in Lancaster put up their own money so he would have a proper burial. Because of this woman, a lot of people will not donate anymore. Once any family has the money, will they do the right thing? Used the donations for what it was intended. I agree with Sherri Dragotto in the comment below.
Disgusting I agree but that woman will have her judgment day trust me Karma will always get you
Disgusting I agree but that woman will have her judgment day trust me Karma will always get you
They should have just one site
Lucy is this our neighbor??
She doesn’t look familiar to me
Yeah she is that is the 3 week old princess :'(
:( so sad
Yeah :'(
If u guys are not going to donate anything. .keep your comments to yourself .
This is still America !!!! We can say what we think!
People would be stupid and naive not to ask questions…….its a sad situation and people just want to make sure this money is in fact going to Ellorah and not someone else.
Yeah sure!
It’s the KIND thing to ask questions to ENSURE to money actually goes towards the baby.
Maybe once the funeral arrangements have been made they can donate the money directly to the funeral home instead of putting it on a website as such..
I dnt think anyone should donate anything till the truth is herd cuz of ryte now the “father” is arrested for her murder n the mom is still being question jst sayn
I agree Sir!
I knew it!!!! When they first reported the news they were questioning both parents and acting all innocents. I didnt believe a thing. They should also investigate the mother.
Have they given any update as to why that beast killed the baby?
No they have not
To druggies? Watch where the money goes— so sorry for what this baby girl went through in her short little life, not a chance, bless her heart
The mother is not a druggie! Keep your rude comments to yourself
Remember it’s America, I can say what I want, but I can’t murder who I want!
I do not know this family, but I truly fell sorry for the short life this little one had, I merely read on FB they were druggies & it was a murder.
He had drug problems the mother whom I know has never been a druggie
You are the company you keep- you aren’t going to stay with a person who uses, unless you too are using. This is the mindset of most people- because 99.9% of the time it’s true… Maybe It would be in her best interest if you ( knowing her and all) could explain why she had her child around a drug addicted father? As a mother of three myself; I can tell you that there is NO WAY I’d allow my child to be around an addict- no matter how much I loved the addict… She might not of had an addiction- she might not of intentionally harmed her child- but she put that little girl in danger by having her around somebody who was. People aren’t going to be OK with that and if they don’t know her they most certainly won’t donate money. You can’t get upset when people question the validity of this donation because people aren’t even sure about the case… It just happened. Maybe further into the investigation, when more information/facts come out- then maybe she will get more donations.. And even then it’s a long shot..
What mother would 1 get pregnant from a druggie and 2 leave their child alone with a druggy! they are both guilty smh!
I have been around druggie all my life and I have NEVER been one so that is false. If anything many of them I helped get sober of which they have 8 – 10 years
She still allowed her 3wk old daughter around him. I’m gonna leave it at that….
Luis Puga
She brough much joy to all who knew her?? She was three weeks old!!! How fid the tragedy happen? There are funds for victims of crime such as this, and as far as left over money giving condort? That is a joke or a travesty. No amount of money can compensate the death oc a child.
Lisa Neri Lara
That’s the baby
How do u leave a 3 week old in a truck cab???sounds like hubby is a druggie who’s done time in prison and the mother is a drunk with duis and a record as well…what a waste of life
…..sometimes you gotta keep what you know to yourself lest you look like a heartless individual….maybe she changed?? I know what you’ve said is truth….but just maybe that’s not the case anymore? For Tawni’s sake I hope she had no involvement whatsoever and if so, God help her grieve in peace.
Many friends at up sites for the family who can’t. Sometimes the loss is just to much and thank God for good friends.
Both sites are good.
R.I.P. Little angel
It’s sad that so many are so quick to judge another’s situation with absolutely no knowledge of the family or situation they may have been suffering with.
I don’t see anyone judging Jayme. But the community now DOES have “knowledge” of this family’s life, position and now legal troubles. It’s not really relevant what situations they were “suffering” because now….there’s a dead baby. Dead babies trump the parents “suffering”.
“To druggies? Watch where the money goes to ”
And that’s not judgemental!? Many women change for their child. To ASSUME she is going to use donation money for drugs is just making an ass of yourself… unless you know her personally.
I’m pretty sure showing the cops where the body was is admission of guilt, hence only mentioning the mother.
She met the guy while he was in prison she got a DUI and was working for safe rides somehow…sad to hear but I’m not surprised at all
Nobody wants to help because of the baby’s parents history of drugs and being irresponsible. I understand and agree.
Story still missing BIG parts and makes the SCV commit not want to help.
SCVTV …. If you guys determine where the baby will actually be buried…Can you please update the story? Many wish to help but we aren’t comfortable giving donations under these questionable circumstances.
It’s possible (and a legitimate concern) monies could be abused and go towards legal fees.
If their friends are asking the community (me) for money specifically “for funeral costs” then….. the community has the obligation to ask these questions.
It’s called…. wisdom.
For all her friends and family- I’m re- posting my response to another comment left in this thread because you shouldn’t be getting upset when people ask questions or make negative comments about this case. There is a lot that needs to be answered before people will just hand over their hard earned money…
You are the company you keep- you aren’t going to stay with a person who uses, unless you too are using. This is the mindset of most people- because 99.9% of the time it’s true… Maybe It would be in her best interest if you ( knowing her and all) could explain why she had her child around a drug addicted father? As a mother of three myself; I can tell you that there is NO WAY I’d allow my child to be around an addict- no matter how much I loved the addict… She might not of had an addiction- she might not of intentionally harmed her child- but she put that little girl in danger by having her around somebody who was. People aren’t going to be OK with that and if they don’t know her they most certainly won’t donate money. You can’t get upset when people question the validity of this donation because people aren’t even sure about the case… It just happened. Maybe further into the investigation, when more information/facts come out people will make donations.. But even then it’s a long shot…
Thank the lord you live a blessed and perfect life.
What makes you think that, Christi Roehn-Leonardi?
Carolina Chavez
Christi, it’s called living a RESPONSIBLE life! Too many women choose loser boyfriends over the well being of their children. What Christina posted has nothing to do with being blessed and perfect! It has everything to do with being mature enough to do the right/difficult thing!
Because u don’t know her. She sees the good in everyone, u shouldn’t judge her for anything she just lost her whole world. Have a heart.
You are right, we don’t know her. That’s the point! Its because we don’t know her we ask questions about the case and her involvement in the death of her child… People are being asked for their money… Its not about “not having a heart or judging her” it’s about making a reasonable decision based on the facts we do have. Use common sense.
Just because she was not a druggie does not instantly mean she is a good healthy minded person. I have know lots of people who have been druggies the were not necessarily bad people either. Just saying’…..
This site is legit. I am personal friends with her
This is the most absurd thing I’ve ever seen. These parents didn’t care to keep their child alive, but are more than willing to accept money from strangers. What they should have done was give the baby to somebody who wanted her and wanted her alive rather than now using her death to collect money from random people.
Yup people have to be more careful when donating to strangers. Unfortunately, with all the fraud going on it is hard to trust anyone nowadays
Yes, I would rather not be involved with someone who is friends with someone. The gal here in Lancaster burned folks bad enough.
Another woman Sherree Packer also said she was her “best friend” and was seeking donations. How do we know who is legit?
Tawni is not a damn drunk or a druggie. She is a great person that does not deserve the hate some of you are giving. She is a great person. I am a good friend of hers and have been for many years. Just fyi , you are all wrong. God bless her heart.
This is just deeply disturbing on soooo many levels. What a shame that this sweet little one didn’t make it to a family that would have loved and cherished her. My prayers are with her… and God’s will on the “family”!
Only the dad was arrested. No mention of the mother. So the “parents” did not do it. Only one “parent” was arrested. Please until other facts are stated and TRUE, do not “assume” and blame the mother unless you were there and know the facts. This is for the memorial of this baby. Please do not hold the mother accountable or blame her until it is proven she is at fault, if she even is. Right now we only know father is arrested, mother is grieving a loss of a baby, and her whole life just changed, and a baby has died. Please respect that and stop assuming.
I was one of the ones who set up a local go fund for the girl Kimberly who died by the train in Canyon Country. Every single dime that was made through Go Fund went straight to the family. Even though I did the go fund the bank account that the go fund was connected to was Kimberly’s family. So not all of us are scams. I don’t know Tawni and this family personally but I do know my good friends are friends of hers and I know this is not a scam.
But this is not the same as Kimberly. This baby was murdered so her funeral will be paid for. No one needs to fundraise because everything will be taken care of becaus eit was a violent act.
I did not know Kimberly personally at all. There was some of us local women who always help when stuff like this happens in our community and help get funds rolling in because half the time the families aren’t even thinking about that.
Jayme Aliano please pm me
Tawni wallis?
Yes Becca Haze
Yes Becca Haze
This woman was my close friend! She’s not being detained. She’s home mourning. She was at work when it happened. They only held her to ask her about any strange behaviors he might’ve had or any fights etc. shd was NOT detained
This was on CBS. Seems like something happened in the morning. there is more to this story. Mom and grandma didn’t wonder where the baby was all day? Maybe this explains why they walked in to the sheriff station to report the baby missing. ……..http://losangeles.cbslocal.com/2015/01/26/newhall-father-accused-in-infant-death-to-be-arraigned-tuesday/
I know everyone is jumping on this guy but it could have been an accident and he panicked.
I too want to see what the cause of death was.
My daughter knew Matt when he was 13,14. He went to our church and went through confirmation with her. He was a very sweet kid and was never violent. I know he may have had issues with drugs in later life but that does not make him a monster. He was so proud of his new baby girl, posting pictures of her to all of his friends.
My prayers go out for this beautiful baby girl,now in heaven I believe, and the mother and father.
Now I know what he is accused of doing. There is no excuse. You will need to pay for this. You should be praying for God to forgive you. He will, but nobody else will.
I read a lot of these comments when I saw this post on Facebook today. I think everybody’s natural reaction is of shock and horror at this terrible story. But one thing remains that a poor baby lost her life and deserves to have a proper burial. Nobody wants to give their hard earned money to something that isn’t worthwhile but at the same time Jesus teaches us to give of our mind our hearts and our pockets. So if the five the 10 or the $20 that you would be willing to donate are not spent properly then only God sees that. But if they are spent properly it helps the family and a poor innocent child that lost her life. I don’t know these people but I felt compelled to say that and that people should open their hearts and try and be more giving when they can.
I read a lot of these comments when I saw this post on Facebook today. I think everybody’s natural reaction is of shock and horror at this terrible story. But one thing remains that a poor baby lost her life and deserves to have a proper burial. Nobody wants to give their hard earned money to something that isn’t worthwhile but at the same time Jesus teaches us to give of our mind our hearts and our pockets. So if the five the 10 or the $20 that you would be willing to donate are not spent properly then only God sees that. But if they are spent properly it helps the family and a poor innocent child that lost her life. I don’t know these people but I felt compelled to say that and that people should open their hearts and try and be more giving when they can.
I don’t mean this in anyone disrespectful way at all. Only want to save everyone involved money. No one should have to pay for this childs funeral. This poor sweet baby was killed in the act of a violent crime and there is a state fund for that. My friend was also murdered and her funeral was paid for. Please look up victims of crime dot org. I believe all info will be found there. I think the mother will also be able to find she can get counciling taken care of and I am sure she has recieved this information already. Again I know someone who was burried who was murdered and not a penny went out because of this fund. The only money that was collected for her funeral was collected to give to her daughter. Any monies collected perhaps could be given to the mother but I don’t see any reason to collect $10,000.
Ummm…Is this fund for the same baby who’s father has been arrested for the murder of his 19-day-old daughter and was charged today with four other felonies including allegations he sexually assaulted and tortured the infant when the mother left the baby with him?
I don’t think I’d be donating anything until I know more about what happened! The whole thing is disgusting and disturbing beyond words!
Michelle, what do you want to do with the little baby girl? Throw her in the trash?
She deserves a decent burial.
The mother did not do this. She left her baby at home with the grandmother and the father. He never had charges of violence before. How was she to know he would flip out? She does not have the thousands of dollars a coffin and a burial plot cost.
Blame the father but not the mother. She is suffering more than words can express.
The mother doesn’t have to pay anything. The funeral and burial is free because the baby was murdered. I am sorry but people need to do research and not take advantage of other people in the name of this grieving mother. The baby was killed in a violent act so all costs will be taken care of. If you are collection for another purpose say so but as of right now you are lying and could get yourself used when people find out it won’t cost anything to bury her.
I am shocked by the suggestions that have been made against the mother by some of you. This is a fundraising page -f you want to discuss the case then go to the articles and do it there.
This mom has just lost her child. Leave her alone.