A Mississippi woman, aged 19, is facing severe legal repercussions following allegations of giving birth in her dorm room at the University of Tampa, subsequently killing her newborn and disposing of the body. Brianna Moore has been charged with aggravated manslaughter of a child and child neglect resulting in significant bodily harm, as declared by the Hillsborough County State Attorney’s Office.
The harrowing incident took place on April 27, when Moore’s dorm mates in McKay Hall reported hearing cries and observed blood on the bathroom floor. Moore denied being pregnant, attributing the blood to her menstrual cycle. The following day, suspicions were heightened when Moore’s roommates found a blood-soaked towel in her trash can.
Upon a second visit by the police, they discovered the deceased infant wrapped in a towel. During the police interrogation, Moore admitted to giving birth alone and holding the baby tightly against her until the crying ceased, according to the prosecutors.
In a police report, Moore allegedly told officers that she believed the child was dead. Following the distressing event, she showered, cleaned the baby with water, and placed her on the bedroom floor before falling asleep. She wrapped the baby in a towel upon waking and finding no signs of life.
An autopsy revealed that the infant died from asphyxia due to torso compression, with fractured ribs and lung hemorrhaging. The death was ruled a homicide. After her arrest in Mississippi, Moore is awaiting extradition to Florida to face additional charges related to improper handling of human remains and failure to report the death to authorities.
State Attorney Suzy Lopez expressed profound sorrow and urgency regarding the avoidable tragedy. She emphasized that the newborn might have survived if Moore had sought immediate help, highlighting the resources available for those in distressing situations.
Lopez reminded the public of Florida’s Safe Haven Law, which allows individuals to leave newborns anonymously at designated locations like fire stations or hospitals within 30 days of birth. “This baby’s death was avoidable,” Lopez stated, emphasizing the proximity of such facilities to the University of Tampa’s campus.
During a press conference, Lopez emotionally underscored the closeness of medical and emergency resources: “There’s a fire station right across the street from the university, and Tampa General Hospital is just minutes away by car,” she noted, highlighting the easy access to safe alternatives. Moore’s case serves as a stark reminder of the severe consequences when tragic decisions are made without seeking available support, reigniting discussions about awareness and education regarding state-supported safety nets.