A probe is underway in the southern region of France following the discovery of five infant remains inside a family apartment subsequent to the birth of a new baby.
The investigation was initiated after a 32-year-old man found what seemed to be human remains while searching his residence in Orange where he lived with his partner. The discovery occurred shortly after his partner gave birth at home before being hospitalized.
Authorities have confirmed the recovery of four infant skeletal remains and the decomposed body of a fifth newborn from the couple’s dwelling in the town’s historic district. An inquiry has been launched into the “murder of a minor under 15”, with ongoing forensic examinations.
The woman’s partner raised concerns upon learning, belatedly, about her recent pregnancy and home birth before hospital admission. He expressed disturbance over the late revelation of her giving birth at home prior to hospitalization.
After discovering what seemed to be human remains, he notified Orange hospital, leading medical staff to alert authorities. Subsequently, a police search of the property was conducted, revealing the skeletal remains of four infants and the decomposed body of a fifth baby.
A postmortem examination has been ordered for the newborn’s body, while specialists will conduct anthropological assessments on the skeletal remains to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
The mother, aged 32, who remained in the hospital after childbirth, was taken into police custody on Wednesday, July 29. Her partner, also 32, cooperated with investigators, stating he was unaware of her pregnancies.
The couple, parents to two children aged eight and nine, are subject to an urgent assessment by Child Welfare Services. The newborn baby boy born on Sunday has been placed in temporary care pending a hearing before a juvenile court judge.
Residing in a building near Orange’s ancient Roman theatre, the family attracted attention with police seals on their apartment door bearing the label “murder of a minor under 15”.
Neighbours expressed shock over the situation, describing the family as “charming” individuals who moved in approximately two years ago. They recalled the woman picking up her children from school for lunch while her partner led a regular work routine.
Investigators are actively working to determine the circumstances surrounding the five infants’ fate. Prosecutors indicated that the current legal classification as “murder of a minor under 15” may evolve as additional forensic evidence is examined.
This case has drawn parallels to past infanticide investigations in France, notably the Dominique Cottrez case, who was convicted of killing eight newborns in 2010. She received a nine-year prison sentence in 2015 due to impaired judgement.
