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$1000 reward offered for information to identify newborn found dead in Oak Ridge

They can't bury the baby until they identify him, but investigators have given him a name: Wyatt, which means warrior.

OAK RIDGE, Tenn. — It's been two weeks since a newborn baby, his umbilical cord still attached, was found discarded near the water along the Melton Lake Greenway in Oak Ridge.

Investigators still haven't identified who the baby belonged to, but they've given him a name, Wyatt Doe, and are working hard to lay him to rest.

Oak Ridge police have set up a wreath and memorial to the baby near where he was found by a passerby, but he can't be buried until they know his identity.

Chief Robin Smith said a $1000 reward was being offered to anyone who can help them determine who the baby belongs to, $500 from the department and $500 from him personally.

"This has been a very difficult investigation, very emotional. We're all parents, have children and grandchildren," he said, standing near the memorial. "Wyatt is one of our children."

RELATED: Oak Ridge Police build memorial for newborn, 'Wyatt Doe,' found along Melton Lake Greenway last week

RELATED: Death investigation underway after body of newborn baby was found in Oak Ridge

WATCH LIVE: Oak Ridge Police Chief Robin Smith is here with the latest information in the investigation of Baby Wyatt, the newborn found discarded along the Melton Lake Greenway two weeks ago.

Posted by Oak Ridge Police Department on Thursday, April 9, 2020

He said investigators have not been able to determine Wyatt's race just by his appearance, and while they've sent DNA samples to a lab for testing, they don't know when those results will come back because of the coronavirus pandemic.

There was also a piece of clothing with the baby, but Smith said he wouldn't describe it because of the investigation.

Anyone with information can call Oak Ridge Police at (865) 425-4399, or by sending them a tip online. Information can be given anonymously.

"We want to put him to rest," Chief Smith said.

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