Overview
- Security footage shows a nurse leaving a Maternidad Doña Evangelina Rosa room with a large black bag and being stopped when the baby’s aunt opened the bag and found the newborn inside.
- Police say the incident occurred on Monday, July 6, and that the newborn was recovered safe and returned to family custody.
- Investigators searched the suspect’s home and found a room set up for a baby plus diapers, clothes, a bathtub and a bassinet consistent with planning for an infant.
- The woman identified in reports as Auricélia Rocha was not held immediately because the complaint was filed after the fact, she was later placed in a psychiatric clinic by family members and then arrested on release under a preventive detention order.
- Prosecutors have charged her with attempted kidnapping and investigators say they have not found evidence so far that would remove criminal responsibility, while the case is likely to prompt review of maternity security and hospital access controls.