15.04.2026 01:23
The trial regarding the baby found dead in a garbage container in Kocaeli in 2007 was opened after 19 years. The defendant, identified as the mother, appeared before a judge for the first time and made striking defenses regarding the moment of birth. While the court continues the process for critical evaluations in the file in line with forensic reports, witness statements, and the claims of the parties, it decided to continue the defendant's detention.
In the investigation regarding a baby found dead in a garbage container in Kocaeli in 2007 with the umbilical cord wrapped around its neck, the mother, Emine N.Ö., who was caught after 19 years, appeared before a judge for the first time. While the defendant claimed that she did not remember the events related to the moment of the baby's birth and that she panicked, the court decided to continue her detention.
IDENTIFIED AFTER 19 YEARS
The incident, which began on May 27, 2007, with the discovery of a dead baby in a garbage container in the Yahyakaptan neighborhood of İzmit, remained unsolved for a long time. Years later, through studies and fingerprint evidence obtained from the scene, it was determined that the baby's mother was Emine N.Ö. The suspect was caught in an operation in Sapanca district of Sakarya and arrested.
"I DID NOT KNOW I WAS PREGNANT"
Emine N.Ö., who defended herself in the case heard at the Kocaeli 4th High Criminal Court, claimed that she had psychological problems during the incident period and was not aware of her pregnancy. "There was no change in my body, my menstrual cycle was continuing. I did not realize I was pregnant," she said.
"I DID NOT HEAR THE BABY CRY"
Describing the events of that day, the defendant stated that she went to the toilet after severe abdominal pain, saying, "Suddenly, blood came, and then a solid object fell. When I saw the baby's head, I fainted. When I woke up, it was in my arms and was stiff. I did not hear it cry. I hit its back for first aid."
SEVERE ACCUSATION FROM THE PROSECUTION AND TRUSTEE
The trustee lawyer who spoke at the hearing stated that there was a Forensic Medicine report indicating the baby was born alive, arguing that the umbilical cord being wrapped around the neck three times was a low probability and that this could be a deliberate intervention. He requested the continuation of the defendant's detention and her punishment at the upper limit.
DEFENSE: SHE DID NOT KILL, SHE ONLY LEFT IT IN THE TRASH
The defendant's lawyer argued that his client did not kill the baby, claiming that she fainted during birth and that the incident was not intentional. The lawyer said, "The only thing my client did was leave the baby in the trash; she did not kill it."
WITNESSES SAID THEY DID NOT NOTICE THE PREGNANCY
Witnesses heard in the hearing stated that they did not see any signs that the defendant was pregnant. Her neighbor and aunt said that the defendant did not change physically and that they did not notice her pregnancy.
DETENTION CONTINUED
The court panel decided to examine the defendant's past psychological and health records and ruled that she be referred to the Istanbul Forensic Medicine Institute for a mental health evaluation. The defendant's detention was ordered to continue, and the hearing was adjourned.