Authorities in Teresina, Piauí, have detained Auricelia de Sousa Rocha, a medical technician at the Dona Evangelina Rosa Maternity Hospital, following a recorded attempt to abduct a newborn on July 6. According to local media reports citing investigators, the suspect, who was off-duty at the time, allegedly posed as a nurse to gain access to the infant before being intercepted by a family member.
Security Footage and The Abduction Attempt
The incident at the Dona Evangelina Rosa facility was captured by hospital surveillance cameras. The footage shows a woman dressed in medical scrubs, wearing a mask and a hat, navigating the corridors with a large bag. In one segment of the recording, the individual is seen carrying a newborn wrapped in a red blanket alongside the bag.
The infant’s aunt provided a firsthand account of the confrontation to local media. She stated that the suspect approached her, identified herself as a nurse, and offered assistance with the baby’s medical examinations. The aunt observed the suspect placing the child into a large black bag inside a room within the maternity ward. When the suspect exited the room alone, the aunt’s suspicions were triggered by the size of the bag.
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Discovery and Police Investigation
After leaving the room, the suspect reportedly entered a bathroom to change out of her medical attire. The aunt intervened, confronted the woman, and retrieved the infant from the bag. The child was reported to be completely motionless at the time of rescue, though specific details regarding the newborn’s medical status remain unconfirmed.
Investigators from the local police force have confirmed that the suspect was not pregnant, despite family members believing she was expecting. A search of the suspect’s residence revealed a fully furnished nursery, complete with a crib and supplies. While defense attorneys have suggested the suspect exhibits symptoms of schizophrenia, authorities have officially ruled out mental illness as the primary motive for the crime.
Hospital Security Trends and Future Safeguards
Enhanced Staff Verification Protocols
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the current status of the suspect?
Auricelia de Sousa Rocha is currently in custody following her arrest in connection with the attempted abduction. - Was the infant harmed during the incident?
The infant was recovered by a family member after being found in a bag. Official medical updates regarding the child’s health were not provided in the initial reports. - Why did the suspect have a nursery at home?
While family members believed the suspect was pregnant, police investigation confirmed she was not. She had prepared a nursery, but authorities have not linked this to a specific medical diagnosis.
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