Mother on Trial in Germany Accused of Killing Newborn in Washing Machine
Hechingen, germany - A 35-year-old woman is standing trial before the district court of Hechingen, accused of homicide after her newborn baby died after being placed in a washing machine. The alleged crime occurred on the evening of March 29th in Albstadt, on the Swabian Alb.
According to the public prosecutor, the woman gave birth unnoticed in the bathroom while her partner was at home, unaware of the delivery. Shortly after the birth, she allegedly placed the baby in the washing machine with dirty laundry and closed the drum.
The partner reportedly started the washing machine later that evening, with the baby still inside. After the cycle, the baby’s death was discovered. An autopsy revealed the infant suffered severe trauma and died as an inevitable result of extensive brain edema,possibly caused by lack of oxygen within the drum.
in her first public statement regarding the incident, the accused told the court she acted out of fear and shock. She described experiencing strong abdominal cramps followed by blood and the delivery of the child, who she stated did not move and had no discernible pulse. “I didn’t know that I was pregnant,” she saeid.
prosecutors allege the partner was unaware a baby was in the washing machine, while the mother is accused of believing he would start the machine regardless.
The judge questioned the consistency of her account, stating, “All of this does not fit together. your child hadn’t had much chance to leave relevant traces in this world.”
The trial is scheduled for four sessions, with a verdict expected by early October. If convicted of manslaughter, the woman faces up to five years in prison. In more severe cases, a life sentence is possible.