Investigative Analysis of Neonaticide

Abstract

Neonaticide (defined as the killing of an infant within the first 24 hours of birth) has occurred throughout history for a variety of reasons. Law enforcement files involving 40 female offenders resulting in 41 infant deaths were examined. Descriptive and frequency statistics revealed that the majority of offenders were young women who had never been married and had no criminal or psychological history. However, approximately a quarter of the sample did not fit these characteristics, which has implications for broadening the scope of investigations. The findings of this research identified four main challenges associated with neonaticide investigations: (a) variation in offender characteristics and situational factors, (b) intermittent denial of the pregnancy, (c) the physical resiliency of the offenders, and (d) lack of documented mental health and criminal history. Correspondence should be addressed to Kristen R. Beyer, P.O. Box 6566, Fredericksburg, VA 22403; email: kristen.beyer@krbconsultants.com and/or Joy Lynn E. Shelton, FBI Academy - NCAVC, Quantico, VA 22135; email: jlshelton@fbiacademy.edu

Ambivalence toward mothers who kill: An examination of 45 U.S. cases of maternal neonaticide

“…In addition, neonaticide offenders often display physical resiliency by engaging in routine activities immediately following the birth, including returning to work/class or engaging in recreational activities. This lack of observable postpartum recovery can preclude someone as a potential suspect (Beyer, Mack, & Shelton, 2008). Pathological examinations of the newborn may result in non-specific findings; the cases may be classified under different charges, or they may be altogether lost in statistics because of inadequate proof and pre-trial plea bargains (Herman-Giddens et al, 2003).…”

“…Pathological examinations of the newborn may result in non-specific findings; the cases may be classified under different charges, or they may be altogether lost in statistics because of inadequate proof and pre-trial plea bargains (Herman-Giddens et al, 2003). Typically only those cases that involve medical complications, unsophisticated crime scenes, or obvious body disposal efforts come to the attention of law enforcement or medical professionals (Beyer et al, 2008).…”

Victim, perpetrator, and offense characteristics in filicide and filicide–suicide

“…The most difficult to estimate the prevalence of may be neonaticide. This is because some women give birth unassisted, kill the neonate, and dispose of the body immediately after birth (Beyer, Mack, & Shelton, 2008).…”

Women Who Kill in Post-Apartheid South Africa: A Content Analysis of Media Reports

“…Women who commit neonaticide tend to be younger (Beyer, Mack, & Shelton, 2008;Friedman & Resnick, 2009;Kachaeva et al, 2010) than women who commit infanticide (Alder & Polk, 2001;Friedman et al, 2005). These women also tend to have lower education levels (Alder & Polk, 2001;Friedman & Resnick, 2009) and reside in poverty (Beyer et al, 2008).…”

“…These women also tend to have lower education levels (Alder & Polk, 2001;Friedman & Resnick, 2009) and reside in poverty (Beyer et al, 2008). In the context of neonaticide women often tend to hide their pregnancies from others or deny that they are pregnant because they did not plan on having a child (Jean-Jacques, 2009;Pitt & Bale, 1995;Spinelli, 2001;Vallone & Hoffman, 2003).…”