Taiwan Court Rules: Mother of Abandoned Newborn Released, Investigation Continues

Chiayi District Court Denies Detention Request, Citing Lack of Flight Risk and Compassionate Circumstances

Taipei, Taiwan - April 4th, 2024 – The Chiayi District Court has made a significant decision in the case of a deceased newborn found abandoned in Chiayi County's Budai Township, rejecting the prosecution's request to detain the mother.

The Chiayi District Prosecutors Office had sought the woman's detention on Thursday, citing potential charges related to abandonment causing death and concerns she might flee or destroy evidence. However, the court ultimately decided against detention and ordered her release without bail, issuing a statement later that day.

The court's decision was based on several key factors. Notably, the mother confessed to abandoning the newborn's body. Considering her limited financial resources and strong familial bonds with her young daughter and parents, the court determined there was no significant risk of her absconding.

Furthermore, the court highlighted the mother's actions after discovering the newborn's death. She reportedly cleaned the body and placed it in a clean cardboard box, actions deemed consistent with an intent to give the baby a proper farewell, rather than an attempt to conceal evidence.

The court also considered the intent of the Code of Criminal Procedure, which generally discourages the detention of mothers who have recently given birth (within the past two months) unless absolutely necessary. This was another critical reason in the decision.

Authorities located the mother on Thursday, a day after the body of the male newborn was discovered in a cardboard box outside a deserted residence in Budai. Following initial questioning, the police handed her over to the prosecutors for further investigation.

An autopsy of the infant is scheduled for April 9th to ascertain the precise cause of death. The investigation remains ongoing.

According to the Budai Precinct, a local resident discovered the infant in the partially covered cardboard box on Wednesday morning while preparing for work. The police were immediately notified, but the infant was not taken to a hospital as it was determined to be deceased upon discovery.

Preliminary examinations revealed no visible injuries on the infant, though livor mortis had set in, and the umbilical cord was still attached. Investigators suggest the baby was likely deceased prior to being abandoned, noting that nearby residents reported hearing no cries.

Investigators believe the mother, who is married and raising a toddler, successfully concealed her pregnancy due to her physical condition. The police have confirmed that she did not receive any prenatal care. The exact cause of death and the time of the child's passing remain unknown.