Malaysian Student Convicted of Murder for Hiding Newborn Baby in a Cereal Box
A Horrific Incident
A 22-year-old Malaysian student, Teo Jia Xin, has been found guilty of murder by a UK court for hiding her newborn baby in a cereal box and suicide suitcase. The shocking incident has sent shockwaves across Malaysia and the international community.
A Secret Birth and a Deadly Decision
Teo arrived in the UK earlier this year to study at Coventry University. On March 4, she gave birth to her full-term baby at home, without seeking medical help. Instead, she placed the baby in a cereal box, wrapped it in a sealable plastic bag, and hid it in a suitcase. Teo lied to hospital staff when questioned about the birth, and it was only two days later that she revealed the truth to the police.
A Disregard for Life
The police stated that Teo had made the decision to hide the baby from her flatmates, fearing that her family and friends in Malaysia would discover her pregnancy and it would affect her studies. This disregard for her own baby’s life and well-being is appalling and disturbing.
A Jury’s Verdict
In court, Teo claimed that she had heard voices telling her to kill or harm the baby. However, the jury at Warwick Crown Court rejected her defence, finding her guilty of murder. The prosecutor stated that the baby was alive after birth and could have survived, but Teo’s decision to place her in the cereal box knowing it would kill her was a deliberate act.
A Sentence to Come
Teo will be sentenced at a later date. The case has sparked outrage and disbelief, with many calling for the maximum sentence to be imposed. This tragic tale serves as a stark reminder of the importance of access to healthcare services, particularly for pregnant women, and the devastating consequences of ignoring medical help.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What happened to the baby?
A: The baby was found dead in a cereal box wrapped in a sealable plastic bag, hidden in a suitcase.
Q: Why did Teo hide the baby?
A: Teo feared that her family and friends in Malaysia would discover her pregnancy and it would affect her studies.
Q: What is the possible sentence for Teo?
A: The sentence is yet to be determined, but it is expected to be severe.