In a deeply shocking incident, an 18-year-old American tourist allegedly threw her newborn baby out of a second-floor window of a Paris hotel shortly after giving birth. The tragic event occurred on Sunday morning at the Ibis Styles Hotel on Rue des Reglises in the French capital.
According to local reports, the young woman, who was travelling through Europe with a group of young adults, gave birth alone in her hotel room before allegedly throwing the newborn out the window. Horrified witnesses reported hearing loud screams before discovering the critically injured infant.
Emergency services rushed to the scene, and the baby was transported to a nearby hospital in an attempt to save its life. Despite the best efforts of medical staff, the newborn succumbed to severe injuries shortly after arrival.
Suspect Hospitalised and Taken into Custody
The young woman was also taken to the hospital, where she underwent surgery following the traumatic birth. Authorities confirmed that she was placed under arrest at the hospital and remains in custody while investigations continue.
The Paris prosecutor’s office released a statement regarding the case, saying: “She was also taken into custody on site. The possibility of a denial of pregnancy is being considered.” Denial of pregnancy, a psychological condition where a woman is unaware or in denial of her pregnancy, is being investigated as a potential factor in the incident.
Witnesses Describe the Horror
A bystander, who heard the distressing cries before seeing the infant fall, immediately alerted emergency services. “It was the most horrifying thing I’ve ever witnessed,” the witness said. “No one could believe what was happening.”
The hotel staff, deeply shaken, offered full cooperation to the police during their investigation. The hotel has yet to release an official statement regarding the tragic event.
Ongoing Investigation
Parisian authorities are now piecing together the events leading up to the incident, including whether the young woman was aware of her pregnancy and if she had any access to medical or psychological support during her travels.
The American embassy in Paris has been notified and is working to provide consular assistance.
As the investigation continues, many in Paris and beyond have been left reeling from the disturbing nature of the incident, prompting renewed discussions around mental health support, especially for young travellers.
