Woman Sentenced To Prison In Death Of Newborn Son At Redford Workplace
DETROIT (WWJ/AP) - A 26-year-old woman on Monday expressed her indescribable pain and regret for the death of her newborn son whom she stuffed into a plastic bag after giving birth at her suburban Detroit workplace.
Kimberly Pappas was sentenced to 9 to 20 years in prison. The Wyandotte woman earlier pleaded guilty to second-degree murder under an agreement with prosecutors to drop charges including felony murder and child abuse.
"The pain and regret I have over this really can't be put into words," Pappas said.
Police said the baby was discovered on March 31 at Pappas' desk after his birth in at restroom at CEVA Logistics, near Telegraph Rd. and I-96 in Redford Township.
Pappas allegedly cut the umbilical cord with cuticle scissors, sealed the infant in a plastic bag and placed it in a tote bag at her desk. Employees saw a large amount of blood in the bathroom and called 911.
An autopsy later determined the infant lived for 20 to 30 minutes and died of suffocation. His death was ruled a homicide.
The Detroit News reported that Pappas had previously denied her pregnancy, according to her sister and co-worker, Cassandra Pappas; she never purchased baby items and didn't discuss options such as abortion or adoption.
Her father, James Pappas, said his family had "unconditional love" for her and would be there when she was released, WDIV-TV reported.
"Kimberly, we love you very much," he said. "We will support you with as many visits as we can."
Pappas' attorney has said there was no intent to kill and that his client suffers from mental health problems.
[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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