A mother has appeared in court accused of murdering her baby after police found the infant dead at a home and neighbours reported hearing a woman screaming in the street. Alanah Gail Smithwick, 28, was taken to hospital after emergency services attended the incident at around 10.15am on Thursday in the Baldivis suburb of Perth, Western Australia.
The eight-month-old baby was found dead at the home. Smithwick has been charged with murder and will face court at a later date after her appearance via video on Friday. Australian media reports she remains in Fiona Stanley Hospital, in Perth, where her condition was described as stable. Western Australia (WA) Police said forensic teams were scouring the property for clues as to how the horror unfolded. On Friday Halloween decorations could be seen at the property, along with a pram outside on the front lawn. 9News reports the baby is believed to have died from stab wounds.
In a statement released earlier, WA Police said emergency services were called to the home on Winpara Way in Baldivis, located about 45km south of Perth’s CBD, about 10:15am on Thursday.
“Sadly, upon arrival, an eight-month-old infant was located deceased. Detectives have been deployed to the scene, and inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the child’s death are being undertaken.
“The death is being treated as suspicious.”
Smithwick appeared at Rockingham Court on Friday.
9News reports neighbours said a woman, who was identified as the grandmother of the dead baby, removed a toddler from the home shortly after police arrived.
Neighbour Graham told the news channel “I don’t know what to say really, I’m in shock”, and another resident called Prescinda added: “I’m pretty shaken, it’s so sad.”
Anyone with information is urged to contact WA Police on 131 444, or report information to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or at www.crimestopperswa.com.au