American woman accused of fatally throwing newborn out of Paris hotel window

An 18-year-old American woman is in custody in Paris after allegedly throwing a newborn out of a hotel window, causing the baby’s death.

The incident happened around 6:00 a.m. on Monday morning, at the Ibis Styles hotel in eastern Paris. Witnesses recounted hearing screams and calling emergency personnel, who responded and rushed the newborn — whose umbilical cord was still attached —  to the Robert Debre Hospital. Unfortunately, the baby did not survive.

“The newborn was treated urgently but did not survive. The juvenile protection brigade was tasked with the investigation into the homicide of a minor under the age of 15,” a statement from the Paris prosecutor’s office read.

Police say the American teen was visiting the city with a group of young adults. They are investigating whether this is a “case of pregnancy denial.”

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“The mother, an American national, is part of a group of young adults traveling in Europe. She was taken to hospital where she is to undergo an operation following her delivery. She is also taken into custody on-site. The possibility of denial of pregnancy is considered,” the statement said. According to The Times, the woman’s mental state will likely be assessed by psychologists.

A witness told The Times that the incident had shaken everyone in the neighborhood.

“The baby had already been taken away but the police were still there. It’s difficult to believe that this happened here. No one knows if the mother did it deliberately or not, and everyone is shaken. It’s like a nightmare, something you never want to see, especially not in your own street,” said a woman near the scene.

Sadly, this is not the first time that a new mother has been charged with throwing an infant out of a window, as Live Action News has shared other similar stories. Rather than death or abandonment, adoption, and infant surrender programs are always available as an alternative to mothers who feel they are unable to parent their children.