Investigation Underway After Newborn Found Dead on Carport Roof in Graz

Authorities in Graz are investigating the tragic discovery of a deceased newborn found on the roof of a carport in the Wetzelsdorf district on Tuesday. Preliminary investigations reveal that the infant, a boy weighing 3,016 grams and measuring 49 centimeters, was born alive. The mother, a 20-year-old woman, is currently in custody and is suspected of having killed the baby shortly after birth. An autopsy conducted by a forensic expert indicated that the cause of death was likely a traumatic brain injury.

The police reported that the exact circumstances surrounding the incident are still under investigation. They are treating the case as a potential homicide. A decision regarding the imposition of pre-trial detention for the mother is expected later today.

The unsettling situation came to light when a neighbor spotted the naked infant on the carport roof and alerted the authorities. Initially, the residents of the house were untraceable. However, later in the day, police located the mother nearby. She is a Croatian national living in the house with her family, separate from the alleged father of the child. During questioning, she claimed to have been unaware of her pregnancy and expressed surprise at the situation.

According to police, it is believed that the mother may have thrown the newborn from a rooftop window shortly after giving birth, causing the baby to land on the carport roof below as rain fell. Following the incident, she was admitted to the LKH Graz hospital for treatment and underwent surgery. Reports indicate that she has confessed to the circumstances surrounding the birth and the subsequent actions.

Investigators have gathered some leads regarding the potential father, although these details are still being verified. This case has raised significant concern within the community, prompting discussions about the circumstances leading to such a tragic event.