French authorities have launched a criminal investigation after a man reportedly discovered the remains of five deceased infants hidden inside cardboard boxes at the home he shared with his wife in Orange, southeastern France.
The discovery was made on Monday, shortly after the couple reportedly argued. According to investigators, the 32-year-old woman, whose identity has not been released under French law, complained of abdominal pain and was taken to hospital after recently giving birth.
While she was receiving medical treatment, her husband remained at the house and searched several cardboard boxes the couple had reportedly argued about. He allegedly found the remains of five infants inside the boxes, all of which had been placed in a single plastic bag.
An investigating source said the remains were in an advanced state of decomposition, suggesting they had been stored for a considerable period. The husband reportedly took the bag to the hospital, where medical staff alerted police.
The Carpentras prosecutor’s office has opened a criminal investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the deaths. Authorities have not announced any arrests, and the woman remains in hospital.
According to French media, the woman had reportedly experienced three previous failed pregnancies before giving birth to a newborn this week. The couple also have two other children, aged eight and 12, who are now involved in the ongoing investigation.
Investigators have not disclosed the cause of death of the infants or confirmed whether they were stillborn. Further forensic examinations are expected as part of the investigation.
Police have yet to release additional details, and inquiries into the case remain ongoing.
