Alyce Morales,18, (pictured) allegedly freaked out and punched her newborn baby in the head after giving birth to it; she has now been charged with murder, according to the Traverse City Record Eagle.
Police records state that the Cicero, Ill., teen had gone on a camping vacation with her parents at a Benzie County, Mich., campsite, but they were unaware of her pregnancy at the time. At some point during the trip, Morales told her folks she was not feeling well and retreated to her tent.
Sometime after 11 p.m. on July 22, the teen gave birth to a baby girl. By the time Morales’ dad went to the tent to check on her, she had given birth to the infant. When the father saw that his daughter had delivered a child, he quickly called police for assistance.
Here is more from The Eagle:
The baby was transported to Munson Medical Center where she was pronounced dead Tuesday at 8:57 a.m.
The initial cause of death was believed to be hypothermia and lack of timely medical care, but an autopsy performed in Grand Rapids discovered “serious injuries” to the newborn’s head and abdomen that caused her death, the document states. Morales waived her Miranda rights on Wednesday when interviewed by Michigan State Police.
Court documents state she made “several admissions” that she “freaked out” and struck the baby with her closed fist.
“Alyce was asked if she felt her actions had caused all of the injuries to the baby,” the document states. “She responded that she did.”
Eighty-fifth District Court Judge John Mead denied Morales’ bond during Thursday’s arraignment and she remains in Benzie County’s jail.
Prosecutor Sara Swanson said Mead was concerned the Illinois resident was a flight risk. She said the open homicide charge — which carries a maximum life imprisonment penalty — could be changed as the investigation proceeds.
“Open murder means that once the case goes to jury they can decide between first- and second-degree,” she said, elaborating that the difference between first- and second-degree homicide is premeditation. “At this point it’s just so early, I guess I want a little more information before I decide.”
Morales was arraigned on Thursday and a judge ordered she be held behind bars sans bail.
