A 35-year-old woman was arrested Thursday night after a baby was found alive in a suburban Boca Raton dumpster on Wednesday.
The suspect, Rafaelle Alessandra Carbalho Sousa, was booked at 10:57 p.m. and faces charges of attempted felony murder and child abuse. PBSO detectives said Sousa admitted to delivering the baby, placing the infant girl in a bag and throwing her in the dumpster.
Sousa is expected to be in court Friday morning.
Our Detectives have arrested Mother of Abondonend Baby – Charges: Attempted Felony Murder and Child. After being interviewed by detectives Rafaelle admitted to delivering the baby, placing her in a bag and throwing her in the dumpster. pic.twitter.com/H5HhgMpu5Y
— PBSO (@PBCountySheriff) May 10, 2019
According to the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office, two people were walking at the Alister apartments, located at 10235 Boca Entrada Blvd., around 9 a.m. Wednesday and heard what sounded like a baby crying.
That is when they found a newborn baby girl alive in a dumpster.
PBSO said Thursday the baby is 6 pounds, 8 ounces and in good health.
A Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office spokesperson said there is evidence the baby was born Wednesday, and the umbilical cord was still attached.
MORE: 'Safe Haven baby' now teen has message for pregnant women in difficult situations
Under Florida law, unwanted newborns can be dropped off anonymously at a hospital or fire station with no questions asked.
Fire Rescue will transport the child to the nearest hospital for medical care. Since the program’s inception in 2000, 18 newborns have been turned over in Palm Beach County.
Click here for more information about the "Safe Haven" program.
