An investigation is ongoing in the south of France following the discovery of five infants’ remains inside a family apartment after the birth of a new baby.
The probe was initiated after a 32-year-old man found possible human remains while searching the residence he shared with his partner in Orange. The findings came shortly after she gave birth at home before being hospitalized.
Authorities have confirmed that the skeletal remains of four infants and the decomposed body of a fifth newborn were found in the couple’s flat in the town’s historic center. The investigation is focusing on the “murder of a minor under the age of 15,” with forensic examinations ongoing.
The woman’s partner became worried upon learning very late in her pregnancy that she had given birth at home before being admitted to the hospital. He expressed shock at the discovery and promptly reported it.
Following the discovery, the hospital alerted prosecutors, leading to a police search of the property. A forensic pathologist’s initial evaluation revealed the remains included the skeletons of four infants and the decomposing body of another baby.
An autopsy has been scheduled for the newborn’s body, and experts will conduct anthropological tests on the skeletal remains to determine the circumstances surrounding the infants’ deaths.
The 32-year-old mother, who had recently given birth to a healthy baby despite denying her pregnancy, is under police custody. Her partner, also 32, cooperated with investigators and was later released without charges.
The couple has two older children, aged eight and nine. Child Welfare Services will assess the family situation urgently, and the newborn has been placed in temporary care pending a hearing before a juvenile court judge.
The family resided in an old building near Orange’s ancient Roman theatre. Police seals indicating the nature of the investigation have been placed on their apartment door.
Neighbors expressed shock at the situation, describing the family as pleasant individuals who had moved in around two years ago. The incident has sparked comparisons with previous infanticide cases in France, with investigators working to determine the facts surrounding the infants’ deaths.