Lucia Garcia, a 21-year-old woman originally from Mexico, was arrested after her newborn son was found in a trash can at a hospital. 

In a shocking defense, Garcia claims she was unaware of her pregnancy and had not realized she had disposed of her baby. Found covered in blood on May 20 at the Staten Island, NYC hospital, Garcia said in Spanish, “I thought it was just blood. I didn’t know I put my baby in the trash until the nurse told me later.”

Upon the discovery of the newborn boy in the garbage can, following cries heard by a police officer and cleaning staff, Garcia was immediately arrested and later charged. The charges included two counts of assault, two counts of reckless endangerment, and one count of acting in a manner injurious to a child. This was confirmed by online records.

Post-birth, the baby was immediately taken to NYU Langone. Currently, the baby is still hospitalized but is under the care and custody of the city’s Administration for Children’s Services. A protective order was also swiftly issued against Garcia at a bedside arraignment. Her next scheduled court date is set for June 16.

Ambrosio Garcia, Lucia’s father, said his daughter had consistently denied being pregnant. He had taken her to the hospital the night before the incident due to her feeling unwell. Lucia, who migrated to the US about ten months ago, is presently uncertain about the whereabouts of her infant son and expressed her yearning to have him back, stating, “I want him back. I want to take care of him. I just want my baby back.”

The father of the baby, who Lucia met on Facebook and lives in Manhattan, did not know about the birth of his child. Lucia was unable to contact him because her phone was confiscated at the hospital. However, Lucia’s father has pledged to find him. In a reflective tone, Garcia admitted to initial doubts about her preparedness for motherhood but now is filled with a strong desire to have her child with her.