November 21, 2015
Police in New York City have taken a suspect into custody after a 22-year-old pregnant woman – possibly targeted in a baby-snatching – was fatally stabbed in the Bronx Friday afternoon.
According to authorities, police responded to an apartment in the Wakefield section of the Bronx after receiving reports that an argument had become violent, the Associated Press reports. At the scene, police found the 22-year-old victim suffering from multiple stab wounds to the torso.
The victim was taken to a nearby hospital, where she was pronounced dead, while the unidentified suspect was brought into custody at the scene.
New York City councilman Andy King, briefed by investigators, told the AP that it appeared the suspect strangled the victim before stabbing her to death and surgically removing the live fetus from her womb. Police sources said the suspect claimed the baby belonged to her, however it was not confirmed whether the suspect and the victim knew each other.
King said the baby was taken to the hospital and survived the attack. Investigators were attempting to determine how far along the victim was in her pregnancy.
"I am very disturbed," King said. "This is a horrific incident."
Pending notification of the family, the identity of the victim and the suspect will be withheld from release.
