Police investigating woman over death of newborn at motel in Seoul

police-infanticide case

Police investigating woman over death of newborn at motel in Seoul

SEOUL, May 7 (Yonhap) -- Police are investigating a woman in her 20s on suspicions over the death of her newborn baby at a motel in Seoul, according to officials Thursday.

Yangcheon Police Station in western Seoul said it booked the woman in February on charges of child abuse resulting in death.

According to police, the woman gave birth to the baby in a motel room and later called emergency responders for help, but the baby had already died by the time paramedics arrived.

The woman reportedly told investigators she had been unaware of her pregnancy, but police later confirmed records of her having previously visited a gynecology clinic before the birth.

Police sought for an arrest warrant for the woman, but prosecutors rejected it and asked investigators to supplement the case with expert opinions and additional evidence.

Officials are continuing with the probe, including questioning a man who was reportedly with the woman at the time of the incident.

Yangcheon Police Station in western Seoul (Yonhap)