A mum has been arrested and charged with the first-degree murder of her two-month-old after suddenly taking off with him in her car while her partner was in the loo.
Anna Louise Englund was arrested and charged with first-degree murder and child abuse resulting in the death of her newborn son Miles Basellio on Sunday, 11th June.
The 29-year-old woman reportedly drove off in an unknown direction from her home at Portland Place in the city of Boulder, in the US state of Colorado, along with the baby on Saturday afternoon, 10th June.
One of Englund’s close friends, who was also the baby’s godmother, called the police at around 4.30pm on Saturday.
The woman – whose identity was not disclosed – reportedly asked the authorities to perform a welfare check on the 29-year-old mum, suspecting she was having a mental breakdown.
She reportedly also told the police officers that Englund was suffering from postpartum depression and had struggles sleeping.
Postpartum depression – which is also known as ‘baby blues’ – is a condition that occurs after giving birth that causes extreme sadness and despair and affects up to 15 per cent of mums.
Common symptoms include mood swings, crying spells, anxiety and difficulty sleeping.
The woman said: “She was working with a therapist on it, and seemed to be getting better, we thought she was better and then all of a sudden she just took off.”
But some time later she said Englund’s unnamed boyfriend, who was also the child’s father, showed up at her door crying and saying how the new mum had taken off with their son while he was using the loo.
The friend said: “She randomly left with the baby, no shoes that we know of, grabbed her bag, left her phone, and we weren’t able to find her at any of the places she likes to go to.”
The two of them immediately called the police to report the case, who then issued an ‘attempt to locate’ bulletin and warned other jurisdictions to look for Englund and her baby.
Later that evening police officers spotted the 29-year-old mum driving to Boulder Community Hospital.
Boulder Police said in a statement obtained by CEN: “At approximately 10.20pm Englund’s car was located en route to Boulder Community Hospital.
“Officers contacted her in the parking lot and rushed the baby into the emergency department where he was pronounced dead at 10.48pm.”
Following the incident, Boulder Police Chief Maris Herold said: “Our hearts are with the child’s family during this terrible and difficult time.
“This is a tragic situation, and we are thinking about the child’s loved ones as they grieve all that has happened.”
Police did not disclose how little Miles died but ensured they are actively working to piece together how his death happened.
They added: “As this is an active investigation, no additional information is expected to be released at this time.
“The coroner’s office will determine the cause and manner of death.”
Jail reports revealed that Englund is currently being held in the Boulder County Jail without bond. She has been charged with first-degree murder and child abuse resulting in death.
The investigation is ongoing.
