Police in Colorado, United States, have arrested a woman suspected of stabbing a pregnant mother and removing her unborn child after luring her to her home with an online advertisement for baby clothes. The victim, who was 26 years old and seven months pregnant, survived the attack following surgery, but the baby died.
The incident occurred on Wednesday in Longmont. The suspect, 34-year-old Dynel Catrece Lane, allegedly attacked the victim when she arrived to purchase items advertised on Craigslist. According to police, Lane beat the woman and cut the baby from her womb. The victim managed to call emergency services, but was barely conscious when officers arrived.
Lane left the scene after the attack and told her husband, David Ridley, that she had suffered a miscarriage. Ridley rushed her and the baby to hospital, where he reported seeing and hearing the baby take a gasping breath. Lane had lost a 19-month-old child in a drowning accident over a decade ago and had been trying for another baby with her husband.
Police have charged Lane with first-degree murder, first-degree assault, and child abuse resulting in death. However, the timing of the baby's death complicates the murder charge. Boulder County District Attorney Stan Garnett stated that under Colorado law, no murder charge can be brought if the child did not live outside the womb. Authorities are investigating whether the baby was alive when removed.
Authorities are seeking any other women who may have responded to Lane's Craigslist advertisement. The victim is said to be alert and cooperating with police.
