- Paris authorities arrested an 18-year-old American woman after she allegedly threw her newborn baby from a hotel window, resulting in the infant’s death. The incident occurred early Monday in the 20th arrondissement, prompting a homicide investigation.
- The woman, part of a study group, was staying at the Ibis Styles hotel where the incident took place, and authorities are investigating possible pregnancy denial.
- The suspect faces up to life in prison if convicted of homicide of a minor under 15 years old, with French authorities continuing their investigation.
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French authorities arrested an 18-year-old American woman after she allegedly threw her newborn baby from a hotel window in Paris. The incident occurred early Monday, Feb. 24, in the 20th arrondissement.
The infant did not survive. The Paris prosecutor’s office has opened an investigation into the homicide of the minor.
What happened at the hotel?
According to reports, someone had thrown the baby from a second-floor window of an Ibis Styles hotel. Witnesses alerted emergency responders after hearing screams.
The newborn still had the umbilical cord attached and emergency responders transported the infant to Robert-Debré Hospital in critical condition. The child did not survive.
Authorities detained the mother. They took her to the hospital for medical care before placing her in police custody.
Who is the mother?
Authorities didn’t release the woman’s identity. However, the Paris Prosecutor’s Office said she reportedly traveled to Paris with a group of young American adults on a study trip.
French officials said she stayed at the hotel with the group when the incident occurred.
What could be the legal consequences?
The Paris public prosecutor’s office confirmed that the woman is under investigation for the homicide of a minor under 15 years old.
In France, the maximum penalty for this charge is life in prison. However, recent cases involving infanticide have resulted in lesser sentences.
Is pregnancy denial being investigated?
Authorities are considering the possibility of pregnancy denial, a psychological condition in which a woman is unaware or unable to acknowledge her pregnancy.
According to a 2011 study in the Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine, this condition can lead to unassisted births and neonaticide due to panic or disorientation.
Investigators have not confirmed whether this played a role in the case but are examining all circumstances surrounding the incident.
How have officials responded?
The U.S. Embassy in Paris acknowledged the incident, stating it closely monitors the case.
In a statement, the embassy expressed condolences, saying, “We are deeply saddened to learn of the recent tragedy involving the loss of a young life.”
What happens next?
French authorities continue their investigation.
The woman remains in custody as police review evidence, including witness statements.
A magistrate visited the scene, and the case was handed over to the juvenile protection brigade of the Paris judicial police. In the coming days, the court will determine whether formal charges will be filed against the suspect.
