Woman charged with murder as partner released from custody
Woman charged with murder in infant deaths case; partner released from custody.
Event / Security
France Infant Deaths Investigation
Investigation into infant deaths in France involving discovery of human remains and criminal charges.
4 reported locations
Daily activity
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2026-08-14 to 2026-11-11 · UTC publication dates
Coverage begins 28 Jul, 11:18 UTC
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What happened
Woman hospitalized after childbirth of healthy infant
The 32-year-old mother was hospitalized and gave birth to a healthy child on the day the remains were discovered. She had experienced an undetected pregnancy, the third instance of a denied pregnancy.
Woman's partner released after custody
The 32-year-old woman's male partner was released on Thursday, July 30, 2026, after being held in police custody. He had discovered the remains and alerted authorities.
Remains of five infants discovered in Orange apartment
Remains of four infants and the decomposing body of a newborn were discovered on Monday, July 27, 2020, in an apartment in Orange, Vaucluse, France. The discovery was made in cardboard boxes stored in the home. The infants' remains bore umbilical cords around their necks.
Woman deferred for examination on murder charges related to infant deaths
A 32-year-old woman was deferred on Friday, July 31, 2026, before an examining magistrate for potential indictment on murder charges. A judicial investigation for murder of a minor under 15 years old was opened by the Avignon prosecutor's office.
Newborn placed in provisional care following discovery
The newborn born on Sunday was placed in provisional care. The prosecutor referred the case to child protective services (ASE) for evaluation of the situation of the couple's two older children who were enrolled in elementary school.
Murder investigation opened by Avignon prosecutors
Prosecutors in Avignon opened a criminal investigation for murder of minors under 15 years old following the discovery of the five dead infants. The Carpentras prosecutor's office transferred jurisdiction to Avignon. The organized crime division of Avignon police is handling the investigation.
Healthy newborn born at home hours before discovery
A healthy newborn was born at home on July 27, 2026. The mother went to Orange Hospital after giving birth. The father discovered the deceased infants after transferring his wife to the hospital.
Five dead infants discovered in Orange apartment
Five dead infants were discovered in an apartment in the historic center of Orange, Vaucluse, France. The remains consisted of skeletal remains of four infants and the decomposed body of one newborn. The discoveries occurred in an apartment occupied by a couple on July 28, 2026.
Mother of deceased infants placed in police custody
The 32-year-old mother of the five deceased infants was placed in police custody on July 29, 2026, after being discharged from Orange Hospital where she had given birth to a healthy newborn on July 27, 2026.
Couple's other children evaluated by child welfare services
The couple had two other children prior to the incident. Child welfare authorities (aide sociale à l'enfance/ASE) were engaged to conduct rapid evaluation of the situation of these two children. The healthy newborn born on July 27 was provisionally placed pending assessment by a juvenile court judge.
Five infant bodies discovered at couple's home in Orange, Vaucluse
Police discovered the remains of five newborns in cardboard boxes at the residence of a couple in Orange, Vaucluse, France. The discovery was made on Tuesday, July 28, 2026. According to sources close to the investigation, the woman of the couple had given birth to a healthy baby on Monday, July 27, 2026.
Prosecutor's office in Carpentras declines immediate comment on infant remains discovery
The Carpentras prosecutor's office declined to provide immediate information regarding the discovery of five infant bodies at the couple's residence in Orange.
Woman arrested in Haute-Saône after discovery of two babies in freezer
In February 2026, a 50-year-old woman was arrested following the discovery of two infant bodies in her freezer in Haute-Saône, France.
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2 alternative perspectives
Investigation deepens as mother held in infant deaths case
Mother held in custody as prosecutors open murder investigation into five infant deaths.
Multiple infant remains discovered across France under investigation
Multiple infant remains discovered across France; arrests made, investigations ongoing.