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CNN Live Today

Atlanta Toddler Survives in House after Mother's Death

Aired June 18, 2002 - 10:35   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
LEON HARRIS, CNN ANCHOR: Well, do you believe in miracles? The story of a Georgia baby may either confirm your belief or give you some new hope. Atlanta police say a 22-month-old toddler named Miracle survived on her own several days after her mother died.

Jennifer Leslie of our affiliate WXIA picks up the story from there.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

JENNIFER LESLIE, WXIA CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): When neighbors noticed a strong odor coming from 26-year-old Lawarna Stevenson's home, they decided to call police, who discovered her body and her little girl inside on Sunday morning. Somehow, 22-month-old Miracle Stevenson survived on her own for seven to 10 days after her mother, who was diabetic and five months pregnant, died of natural causes.

Described as thin, dehydrated, and dirty, Miracle was taken to Hughes Spalding Medical Center where she is listed in good condition.

(on camera): Do you all have any idea how this toddler was able to survive for so long?

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Speaking with the investigator, he indicated the toddler may have gotten into some cabinets, and he saw some Coke cans present on the floor, so maybe the child was able to get a drink or something in order to survive that long.

LESLIE: So why did it take so long before someone realized something was wrong? Although neighbors didn't want to talk to us on camera, they did tell us that it wasn't unusual for them to go for days without seeing Stevenson because she kept to herself, didn't work, and was often sick. As for her little girl, they did hear her crying from time to time, but nothing out of the ordinary, and they even saw her several times late last week looking out a back window, but they couldn't tell that she was in trouble.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: It was very much a miracle that she survived, and hopefully we will have another one in that it won't bother her as she grows up.

LESLIE (voice-over): Investigators say with no signs of foul play, this case is now closed, and once she is released from the hospital, a grandfather will assume custody of Miracle. Jennifer Leslie, 11Alive News.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

HARRIS: Our thanks to Channel 11 here in Atlanta for that story, and here's wishing that baby all the luck in the world. Seems like she already has some working for her.

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