(Phelan M. Ebenhack via AP)
When a newborn baby was found dead on a college campus in Tampa, there were many questions. Now, we have some answers. We know what led to the death of the infant, and the mother is being charged with manslaughter. What does it mean for her future?
A Tragic Incident at the University of Tampa
In April 2024, authorities were called to a dorm on the campus of the University of Tampa. Students heard what they thought was a baby crying. Police arrived on the scene and found blood in one of the bathrooms connected to two dorm rooms. A student, Brianna L. Moore, said the blood was from her menstruation. The call was deemed medical, and police left the scene.
Police returned when campus security called them the next day to report a possible deceased fetus in a bag in the trash. Police then found the remains of a dead newborn.
At that time, Moore shared the real story.
Moore said she didn’t know she was pregnant, although she thinks she was in denial. After not feeling well the previous day, she gave birth in the bathroom attached to her dorm room. She said the baby cried for about five seconds and then went quiet. She put her hand on the baby’s chest and didn’t feel anything. Moore said she cleaned the baby, wrapped it in a towel, and placed it in a trash can after it showed no signs of life.
Now, police are charging her for the crime.
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An Illegal Act
Roughly six months after the baby was found, Moore was arrested and charged with aggravated manslaughter, child neglect, unlawful storage of human remains, and failure to report a death.
Moore admitted to placing the baby’s body in the trash container to police, but it took months for her to be officially charged. Hillsborough State Attorney Suzy Lopez said she struggled with the case.
According to reports by the Tampa Bay Times, Lopez sought input from “nationally known experts” to ensure they handled the case properly.
“This is a case that has kept me up at night,” she said during a news conference. “The bottom line, though, is this: Brianna Moore took actions that directly led to the death of this newborn baby girl. And in doing so, she broke the law.”
Evidence that led Lopez to file charges included a medical examiner’s report. The report said the baby had a broken spine, broken ribs, and bleeding in her lungs. The report said the cause of death was asphyxiation, and the manner of death was homicide.
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The Consequences of Manslaughter
Moore was arrested in her home state of Mississippi, but she will face criminal charges in Florida. The extradition proceedings and her return to Hillsborough County could take weeks. When Moore returns to Florida, she will face serious charges.
Aggravated manslaughter is defined in Florida Statute 782.07(3). It refers to, “A person who causes the death of any person under the age of 18 by culpable negligence under s. 827.03(2)(b).”
Aggravated manslaughter is considered a homicide. It’s a first-degree felony punishable by up to life in prison, life on probation, and a $10,000 fine. The minimum punishment for the charge is 13 years in prison.
Related: Parents Charged with Manslaughter After Child Left in Their Car Dies
The Consequences of Child Neglect
Moore also faces charges of child neglect.
Child neglect is defined under Florida Statute 827.03 and refers to someone who, ”Knowingly or willfully abuses a child and in so doing causes great bodily harm, permanent disability, or permanent disfigurement to the child.”
Child neglect that leads to serious bodily harm is a second-degree felony punishable by up to 15 years in prison or 15 years probation and a $10,000 fine.
Related: Woman Faces Manslaughter Charges After Failing to Restrain Child in Car Seat
Protecting Newborns
Florida’s Safe Haven law allows parents to anonymously give unwanted newborns to hospital staff or a fire station within 30 days after a birth. Expectant mothers who need resources can find help with The Crisis Center of Tampa Bay by calling 211, the Florida Department of Health at 850-245-4047 or The National Safe Haven Alliance Hotline at 888-510-2229.
Talk to an Attorney You Can Trust
When facing criminal charges, whether a misdemeanor or felony, make sure you have a trusted attorney by your side. Talk to an experienced criminal defense lawyer to protect your rights and get the best possible outcome for your case.
Request your consultation or call 813-226-1023 to talk to experienced criminal defense attorney TJ Grimaldi.
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