Florida College Student Charged in Newborn’s Death After Alleged Dorm Room Incident
Tampa, FL — A 19-year-old former University of Tampa student has been charged in connection with the death of her newborn, whom police allege was born in a dormitory bathroom and left in a trash can. The student, Brianna Moore, was taken into custody in Quitman, Mississippi, last week and now faces several charges, including aggravated manslaughter of a child and child neglect resulting in great bodily harm.
The Tampa Police Department released a statement detailing the investigation, which began in late April when campus safety officials responded to reports of a possible miscarriage on university grounds. Authorities discovered the deceased infant, later identified as Moore’s child, in a dormitory trash bin. An autopsy conducted soon after revealed the infant’s cause of death to be asphyxia and multiple rib fractures. The medical examiner ruled the death a homicide.
According to a news release from Hillsborough State Attorney Suzy Lopez, the investigation was prompted when Moore’s roommates reported hearing cries in the shared bathroom of their dorm. Moore initially denied being pregnant, but roommates later found the deceased infant wrapped in a towel in the bathroom trash can.
Moore allegedly admitted to giving birth in the bathroom, holding the newborn to her body until the crying ceased, and then placing the infant in the trash. She is also charged with failing to report the death and the unlawful storage of human remains.
“This tragedy could have been prevented,” Lopez said in a statement. “This baby’s death is a heartbreaking reminder of the importance of educating individuals on resources available to them during difficult times. No child should lose their life due to a lack of support or knowledge of available help.”
Moore is expected to be extradited to Hillsborough County, Florida, where she will face the charges. Authorities continue to emphasize the availability of resources for young parents and encourage community support to prevent similar tragedies.
