A young woman is on trial in Dijon, France, accused of attempted murder and murder after allegedly concealing her premature twin daughters in a shopping bag shortly after their birth. One of the infants died, while the other survived, according to details presented in court on Monday.
The case began in the early hours of May 23-24, 2020, when emergency services were called to the home of a 20-year-old woman complaining of what she believed to be a miscarriage. Upon arrival, paramedics questioned the woman and her mother about what had been expelled, to which they reportedly remained silent, instead presenting a shopping bag. Inside, they discovered the lifeless body of one newborn and another still alive.
The twins, born prematurely at less than seven months gestation, each weighed approximately 800 grams. An autopsy confirmed that both infants were alive at the time of the birth. Prosecutors allege the mother, who did not desire children and had been left by the father, “packed” the babies in clothing, making it difficult for medical staff to remove them. The infants were initially placed in a canvas tote bag, then concealed within a plastic bag from a discount retailer, hidden behind a wardrobe.
The prosecution contends the young woman was aware her babies were alive, leaving them on the floor of her bedroom for nearly two hours while she cleaned up after the delivery and searched online for information about miscarriages. The mother’s defense, led by Me Chloé Bonnat, argues for acquittal, citing “absolute distress” and “panic,” claiming the mother did not even realize she was carrying twins. Bonnat asserts, “There is no criminal offense.”
The court heard testimony suggesting the young woman’s actions were influenced by strict religious principles and a fear of disappointing her adoptive father, a devout man with a rigid mindset, regarding premarital relations. A psychiatrist described the mother as exhibiting “a certain immaturity.”
Marie-Christine Klepping, representing family members who have filed civil claims in the case, disputes the claim of panic, stating, “It’s not a matter of chance. There was a will to gain rid of them.”
The trial at the Côte d’Or Assize Court is expected to conclude on Friday.
