French Woman Arrested After Two Newborns Found Dead in Freezer
A shocking discovery in eastern France has led to the arrest of a woman in her 50s after two newborn babies were found dead in a freezer. The infants are believed to have been killed moments after their births, with the tragic events occurring between 2011 and 2018.
Horrific Discovery in Family Home
The grim finding unfolded in Aillevillers-et-Lyaumont, Haute-Saône, when a family member opened a freezer to tidy up and discovered the body of a newborn baby inside a bag. Police were immediately called to the scene on Tuesday, where officers made an even more disturbing discovery during their investigation.
"Another bag was discovered in the same freezer during the technical and scientific police operations," stated Besançon prosecutor Cédric Logelin at a press conference. "Inside there was a second newborn's body."
Woman Admits to Concealing Pregnancies and Births
The woman, who has not been named, was arrested 300 kilometers away in Boulogne-Billancourt, Hauts-de-Seine, on Wednesday. During questioning, she admitted to being the mother of both infants and described how she had concealed her pregnancies from everyone around her.
"She said that she had hidden her pregnancies from her family and friends," prosecutor Logelin explained. "She had invented explanations when questioned about her weight gain and had worn loose clothing to conceal it."
The woman reportedly gave birth at home alone, wrapped the newborns immediately afterward, and placed them in the freezer. She told authorities she knew she was the only person who used that particular freezer.
Community in Shock
The small town of fewer than 1,500 inhabitants has been left reeling by the horrific discovery. A police cordon was established around the property as investigators conducted their work.
Mayor Jean-Claude Tramesel said he was notified of the situation at 6pm on Tuesday. "I was asked to go to the gendarmerie for what could be called neighbourhood inquiries, and I have no information about how the events unfolded," he told local media.
Investigation Details
Police initially questioned the homeowner, who had been at work when the discovery was made. However, detectives quickly turned their attention to his partner, who reportedly has nine children from two previous relationships.
Prosecutor Logelin revealed that the woman's partner appeared "completely taken aback" by the details when questioned by police, suggesting he had been unaware of the pregnancies or births.
The woman was unable to specify exact birth dates for the infants, only placing them somewhere between 2011 and 2018. She claimed she had never spoken to anyone about the births.
An investigation into the deaths continues, with autopsies on the babies scheduled for Friday to determine the exact causes of death.
