A shocking case of infant homicide has emerged from Pennsylvania, where 20-year-old Emily Dickinson and 19-year-old Joshua Wooters have been charged with criminal homicide following the death of their newborn child. The couple faces additional charges of conspiracy, concealing the death of a child, and abuse of a corpse, with Wooters also charged with obstruction.
The tragic incident came to light on March 11 when Pennsylvania State Police responded to reports of a dead baby in the street. Officers discovered the infant’s body, a placenta, and a trash bag containing a bloodstained mattress. The coroner determined that the child, less than 24 hours old, died from “exsanguination from the umbilical stump,” or severe bleeding.
Initially, Wooters denied any knowledge of the child, even claiming to be a virgin during a follow-up interview. However, as the investigation progressed and DNA tests confirmed the couple’s parentage, Wooters began to provide more information. He described waking up to Dickinson in labor and witnessing her throw the baby out of their second-story apartment window.
Dickinson, in her statement to police, claimed she was unaware of her pregnancy until about a month before giving birth. She admitted to throwing the baby out the window, believing it was already dead. Despite being a certified nurse, she did not attempt CPR on the newborn.
The couple’s actions following the birth, including disposing of evidence and failing to call emergency services, have further complicated their legal situation. Their apartment, located directly above where the child’s body was found, contained evidence of the birth and subsequent attempts to conceal it.
This case has shocked the local community and raised questions about access to prenatal care, mental health support for young parents, and the circumstances that could lead to such a tragic outcome. As the legal proceedings move forward, with a preliminary hearing set for July 10, the case continues to draw attention to issues of child welfare and the challenges faced by unprepared young parents.
The denial of bail for both Dickinson and Wooters underscores the severity of the charges they face. As the investigation continues and more details emerge, this case serves as a somber reminder of the importance of support systems for expectant parents and the devastating consequences that can result from a lack of proper care and intervention.
Credit: Toofab
