Mum charged with attempted murder after allegedly dumping baby in bin

A mother accused of dumping her newborn baby in a bin in the US has appeared in court.

Marie Merisier is charged with attempted murder and the reckless endangerment of a child.

Prosecutors said the 33-year-old was cooking or cleaning at a home in Dorchester, in Boston, on Friday and was pregnant when she arrived.

READ MORE: Footage shows the moments after newborn baby was found in a bin at Doha Airport

Witnesses told police she went into the bathroom for more than an hour and they heard a baby crying. She allegedly came out with a leather bag and refused help. The witness called emergency services after Ms Merisier left.

Prosecutors say video from a pizza shop nearby shows her reaching into the bag, taking out a plastic bag and putting it in a trash barrel.

The baby, a boy, was inside the plastic bag. A woman heard crying from the trash can and alerted EMS who brought the baby to the hospital. The baby is doing well.

Police say when they confronted Ms Merisier, she initially denied any involvement but then told them she thought the baby was dead.

READ MORE: Woman who dumped two of her babies in bin fails to appear at trial

Ms Merisier's attorney said mental health issues and postpartum depression may play a role in this case.

Ms Merisier is being held on US$100,000 bail. If released, she is ordered to stay away from and have no contact with the newborn victim and any witnesses, remain under home confinement and submit to GPS monitoring.

Suffolk County District Attorney Rachael Rollins thanked to the witnesses and the first responders who helped the baby. "It is because of all of these swift actions that this beautiful newborn is alive and now hopefully able to thrive," Ms Rollins said.

Ms Rollins said she visited the baby in the hospital on Saturday and was so happy to see nurses "pouring love and affection" into the baby.

Readers seeking support can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or beyond blue on 1300 22 4636.

READ MORE: US police find toddler's body dumped in apartment rubbish bin

from 9News https://ift.tt/3rfvDqW
via IFTTT