Mom Charged With Murder After Autopsy Rules Newborn Found In Cubicle Was Suffocated

REDFORD TWP. (WWJ) - A Wyandotte woman has been charged with murder after an autopsy determined her newborn baby found dead in a desk drawer at a metro Detroit freight management business was suffocated.

Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy on Friday charged 25-year-old Kimberly Pappas with felony murder, premeditated murder, and child abuse - fifth degree.

Pappas was arraigned via video Friday in 17th District Court in Redford. A not guilty plea was entered on her behalf and Judge Karen Khalil ordered her held without bond pending a psychiatric examination.

The Wayne County Medical Examiner's office Thursday ruled the baby's death a homicide, saying he died shortly after he was born March 31 at CEVA Logistics in Redford Township.

Police were called to the business, near Telegraph and I-96, after employees found a large amount of blood in a restroom.

Prosecutors allege that Pappas gave birth to a "live full term child" in the bathroom, sealed the infant in a plastic bag and placed him in her desk drawer while she continued her work day.

Blood was allegedly found on Pappas at the scene.

"When the rescue people got there she said she was not feeling well. They spoke to her and indicated that she really needed to be seen by a doctor...She was willing to do that," Redford Police Det. Sgt. Kevin Crittenden said.

"After she got out to the rescue rig she told the lieutenant that she had miscarried and that the child was in her desk drawer," Crittendon said.

A Redford Fire Department rescue crew tried but failed to resuscitate the infant. He pronounced dead at an area hospital.

Investigators believe Pappas was able to hide her pregnancy not only from her co-workers, but also from her parents with whom she lives.

Crittenden said Pappas has been cooperative with investigators, although she's given no indication as to why she did what she did.

Pappas' attorney, Raymond Cassar, is concerned about his client's mental state.

"I believe that there is serious mental health issues involving my client," Cassar said. "And, again, that's why we want her in treatment; and that's why I argued so vigorously in the courtroom for bond."

[Authorities are reminding the public that Michigan has a "safe haven" law — which allows parents to safely surrender their newborn child, no more than 72-hours-old, to an employee who is inside and on duty at any hospital, fire department or police station, or by calling 911. This program is a safe, legal and anonymous alternative to abandonment or infanticide, and releases the newborn for placement with an adoptive family].

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