A 19-year-old mother allegedly abandoned her newborn baby without care immediately after birth. Police suspect this deliberate neglect caused the infant's death.
The baby was born and died on Friday, October 17. The infant was less than one day old at the time of death.
Police are investigating the case as murder. Authorities believe the mother intentionally failed to provide proper care to her newborn child. This led to the baby's death shortly after birth.
Criminal Commissioner Maria Hietajärvi stated in a police bulletin that current evidence points to severe and cruel neglect. She clarified that investigators do not suspect the mother or her partner used physical violence against the infant.
The incident occurred in a Lohja apartment where the 19-year-old mother lived with her 23-year-old partner. The partner called emergency services to report the baby's death.
Police are examining whether the partner bears any criminal responsibility. Officers detained him at the scene but released him after questioning. Authorities see no current need to seek his detention.
Emergency services received the distressing call at 9:48 PM from the apartment building in Lohja's Ojamo district. Responders found the newborn baby already deceased.
Police arrested the young mother on murder suspicions last Tuesday. A court ordered her detained. The prosecution must file formal charges by early March.
Recent investigations reveal the mother faced financial difficulties and work-related issues. She allegedly used a fake car receipt earlier this year. Regional authorities are examining her conduct in disability care work.
Friends expressed surprise at the serious criminal allegations. One friend last spoke with the woman during summer after she moved from Vantaa to Lohja. The friend said everything seemed fine at that time.
Neither friends nor neighbors knew about the pregnancy. The young couple had moved into the apartment building with their small dog earlier this year.
This tragic case highlights the vulnerability of newborns and the severe consequences of parental neglect. The police investigation continues as authorities piece together the full sequence of events.