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41 Year Old Mother Jailed for Abandoning Newborn Daughter
Image: ABC News
A Heartbreaking Case of Abandonment
In a poignant episode that shocked many, a mother from Georgia has received a severe sentence after a disturbing act of abandoning her newborn daughter in the woods. Karima Jiwani, 41, was sentenced to 15 years in prison along with an additional 15 years of probation. This decision came following her guilty plea to both criminal attempt to commit murder and first-degree cruelty to children. This tragic event dates back to June 2019, when she left her baby girl, who was just hours old, wrapped in a plastic bag.
The Discovery of Baby India
The abandoned infant, later named “Baby India” by authorities, was fortunate to be discovered by local teenagers who heard her faint cries. Nestled in the Forsyth County woods, the baby was found just in time, as her chances of survival were grim without immediate help. Forsyth County Sheriff Ron Freeman expressed his disbelief over the incident, stating, “This child was tied up in a plastic bag and thrown into the woods like a bag of trash.” Thankfully, after being rescued, Baby India was rushed to a hospital and was reported to be healthy and thriving today at five years of age.
The Road to Justice Takes Time
The investigation into Jiwani’s actions was no quick affair. It spanned nearly four years before authorities could confirm her identity as the mother. Detective efforts intensified when two teenagers alerted their father about the crying they heard, leading to the eventual rescue. Sheriff Freeman highlighted the emotional toll the case took on him and the community as a whole. He was quoted, “I can’t understand that,” reflecting the collective sentiment of disbelief towards Jiwani’s actions.
Identifying the Mother
The sheriff’s office partnered with Othram Labs, whose advanced DNA techniques ultimately revealed Jiwani as Baby India’s biological parent. The process involved extensive surveillance and data collection which confirmed Jiwani’s connection to the crime. Authorities indicated there was no evidence suggesting Baby India’s biological father was aware of the pregnancy or the decision to abandon her.
A Dark History Revealed
Detectives disclosed Jiwani’s troubling pattern of “hidden and concealed pregnancies,” indicating she was capable of keeping her pregnancies under wraps, leading to what they called “surprise births.” On the day of her arrest, she was reportedly living with her other children, adding a layer of complexity to an already tragic situation. Sheriff Freeman concluded, “No motive can justify this decision,” emphasizing the unfathomable nature of the crime.
The Impact on Community and Law Enforcement
The deputy who rescued Baby India played a significant role in the arrest of Jiwani, using his own handcuffs as he took her into custody. This case resonated deeply with the local law enforcement community and raised critical questions about child welfare and the protective mechanisms in place for vulnerable individuals.
With Baby India’s continued growth and newfound opportunity for life, the focus now shifts to the urgent conversations about the welfare of children in similar situations.
