A Louisiana woman has been charged with murder after authorities say a newborn she allegedly delivered was found dead inside a portable toilet near a Waffle House.

Lekesha Lemelle, 37, faces a second-degree murder charge in connection with the infant’s death, according to court records and local reports.

Police responded around 3:15 a.m. on March 26 to a Waffle House in Gretna after receiving a report that a woman had given birth in a nearby porta-potty. When officers arrived, Lemelle allegedly told them she had delivered a baby but could not say exactly when the birth occurred or provide details about the child’s condition.

Officers then searched a portable toilet in a nearby shopping center.

Inside, they discovered the body of a newborn at the bottom of the tank.

An autopsy later conducted by the Jefferson Parish Coroner’s Office determined that the baby died from asphyxia due to drowning.

Authorities said the infant was alive at birth.

Gretna Police Deputy Chief Jason DiMarco told local media that investigators believe Lemelle may be houseless. Following the incident, she was transported to a hospital for medical treatment.

Police said she will be formally taken into custody on the murder charge once she is released from the hospital.

It remains unclear whether Lemelle has entered a plea or retained an attorney.

The case remains under investigation.