McKeesport Woman Arraigned On Charges In Baby Abduction
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- A McKeesport woman has been arraigned on charges and ordered to undergo a behavioral evaluation in the alleged abduction of a newborn from Magee-Womens Hospital.
Breona Moore, 19, was arraigned this morning via video by District Judge Carla Swearingen on charges including kidnapping.
On the video monitor, Moore was seen sitting with her arms folded, and answered "Yes ma'am" when asked if she understood the process.
Swearingen set a $250,000 straight bond, ordered Moore to undergo evaluation at the behavior clinic and to have no contact with the victims.
No one attended the arraignment on Moore's behalf.
She faces a preliminary hearing scheduled for Aug. 31 at 12:30 p.m.
On her way to being transported to jail overnight, Moore told reporters: "Don't do something because you're in love or because you lost something."
The child, Bryce Coleman, was reunited Thursday evening with his parents, Rhonda King and Ben Coleman.
According to Pittsburgh police, the 3-day-old was found with Moore in a stairwell of the Investment Building in Downtown Pittsburgh. He was missing for about five hours.
Police arrested Moore at the scene and interrogated her for several hours.
Pittsburgh police say Moore bought hospital scrubs from a uniform store located near the hospital earlier in the day.
Authorities say the family was preparing to be discharged from the hospital early Thursday afternoon and the child's ankle bracelet – which has a chip inside of it and is put on every baby born at Magee-Womens Hospital – was removed because he was going home.
According to the criminal complaint:
"At 1341 hours, police were advised that a black female - later identified as Breona Moore - clad in hospital scrubs was loitering in front of room 2707 of Magee-Womens Hospital. An employee of Magee-Womens Hospital approached Moore and asked her if she was going on duty or getting off duty. The employee asked Moore this question because Moore did not possess a Magee-Womens Hospital employee identification. Moore told the employee that she was getting off duty."
The criminal complaint goes on to read:
"A second hospital employee approached Moore as she was still standing in the area of room 2707. Moore stated that she was the sister of the patient in room 2707. Moore told the employee that she was waiting to drive her sister home. When the discharge nurse entered into King's room, 2707, Moore followed her into the room."
According to the criminal complaint, the baby was placed in a handbag before the suspect left the hospital.
The criminal complaint reads:
"Moore then went to a secluded area in the hospital and placed the baby in a reddish colored, cloth, zippered handbag. Moore then exited the hospital by way of the main lobby and out the front door."
According to investigators, it was family members who helped find Moore and the child.
Police say one of Moore's relatives reported that information had been posted to Facebook saying that she had had a baby on Monday.
When that relative heard about the incident at Magee-Womens Hospital, that person called police worried that a family member might be a suspect.
UPMC released a statement Thursday: "The safety of UPMC's patients and staff is our top priority, we'll continue to cooperate with police and review all steps taken during this incident."
Stay with KDKA for the latest on this developing story.
RELATED LINKS:
Abducted Baby Reunited With Mother At Magee-Womens Hospital (8/23/12)
Woman Charged In Magee-Womens Hospital Baby Abduction (8/23/12)
