A woman was forced to give birth while handcuffed to a bench inside a New York City courtroom after being held in custody for more than 24 hours, according to a group of legal advocates. Samantha Randazzo, 33, went into labour and delivered her child on a courtroom bench in Brooklyn on Friday without adequate medical care, privacy, or dignity, the group said.
Randazzo was surrounded by law enforcement, prosecutors, and courtroom staff, some of whom reportedly laughed and joked during the delivery. 'She deserved care, compassion, safety, and dignity. Instead, she was subjected to trauma and humiliation in full public view,' read a joint statement from The Legal Aid Society, Brooklyn Defender Services, and other groups.
However, Randazzo's lawyer, Wynton Sharpe, disputed claims that staff were laughing, stating that court officers reacted quickly and the presiding judge cleared the room immediately. 'It was a joyful and sad situation, given the circumstances,' Sharpe told The New York Times.
Al Baker, a spokesperson for the New York Office of Court Administration, said officers acted with swift professionalism to ensure safety and sanctity of life for all individuals. 'We are delighted both mother and baby are well,' Baker said.
Randazzo was arrested on Thursday on charges of drug possession and trespassing after allegedly being found on a rooftop in Brooklyn with a small amount of heroin and cocaine. She was not eligible for a desk appearance ticket due to an open warrant, and was taken to hospital before being discharged 30 hours later and brought to court for arraignment, where she went into labour.
The legal groups are demanding an immediate and transparent investigation into the agencies and personnel involved, including the NYPD and the Brooklyn District Attorney's Office. 'A child entered the world in a courtroom, while their mother was in chains,' they said. 'New Yorkers should be outraged that this happened in our city in 2026.'
