WESTLAND (WWJ) - A 31-year-old Wayne County woman who allegedly gave birth at home before the baby passed away last month under suspicious circumstances has been charged with murder.
According to Westland police, Trisha Lempea of Westland was charged on Thursday, Jan. 4, with felony murder, first-degree child abuse and concealing the death of an individual after investigators believe the death of her newborn child was not an accident.
Police said they began their investigation back on Dec. 5 when officers responded to a local hospital on reports of an infant death. The child was estimated to have been born a week prior, but the exact date is unclear.
Investigators believe Lempea gave birth to the baby at home and did not seek medical care or do anything else until the infant died.
Neighbors expressed their shock to WDIV, stating other children lived inside the home with Lempea. Some said they heard cries coming from the home, but they haven't heard them recently.
No other details have been released. The investigation remains active.