Residents of an apartment building in Saint-Étienne, located in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, were deeply shaken by an unsettling incident in the early hours of Sunday, March 24. Around 4:30 a.m., neighbors were startled by the sound of a baby crying, prompting them to investigate the source of the distressing noise.
Their search led to a horrifying sight—trails of blood in the corridors, eventually guiding them to the building’s trash room near the basement. There, in a small storage area, they found a newborn baby, abandoned and crying.
Immediate Action Saves a Life
Alarmed by the discovery, the neighbors quickly contacted emergency services. The baby, who appeared to have been recently born, still had the umbilical cord attached and was showing signs of hypothermia. Emergency personnel from the Départemental Fire and Rescue Service of Loire (SDIS) and a team from Loire Samu arrived promptly. Thanks to their swift intervention, the baby was stabilized and later transported to the CHU of Saint-Étienne for further care. Despite the harrowing circumstances, the infant’s health was declared stable, and their life was not in danger.
The Investigation Unfolds
Authorities launched an inquiry into what they classified as an “attempted murder.” Following the blood trail through the building’s common areas, police arrived at the apartment of a 20-year-old woman, believed to be the baby’s mother. Initial findings suggested that the woman had experienced a repressed pregnancy, gave birth alone in her bathroom, and abandoned the baby shortly after.
The mother was found at home and transported to Saint-Étienne’s North Hospital for medical treatment. Investigators plan to question her once her health allows.
Police Statements and Community Response
“The baby might not have survived if no one had acted as swiftly as they did,” authorities noted, commending the neighbors for their immediate response. The incident has left the community in shock, highlighting the importance of awareness and intervention in moments of crisis.
This heart-wrenching story sheds light on the struggles of repressed pregnancies and the critical need for support systems for vulnerable individuals. As the investigation continues, the focus remains on ensuring both the baby and the mother receive the care and assistance they need.