Teen shoplifting suspect had fetus in her bag, New York police say

A 17-year-old girl could face charges in connection with the death of her fetus that she carried in a shopping bag while allegedly trying to steal goods from a Victoria’s Secret store, New York police said Friday.

The Brooklyn girl, and her friend, also 17, of Queens were arrested Thursday night at the Manhattan lingerie store on suspicion of shoplifting.

Both are in custody and have been charged with petit larceny and possession of stolen property, according to the New York Police Department.

“While inspecting the bags of the two females, security officers discovered a strong odor and found a fetus inside the bag” of the girl, according to police. The fetus was sent to the medical examiner to determine the cause of death.

“The charges can be upgraded on the mother, depending on what the medical examiner determines was the baby’s status,” Lt. John Grimpel, a department spokesman told the Los Angeles Times.

The charges could depend on whether the fetus was alive after delivery.

The girl told authorities she had delivered the baby a day earlier. She was hospitalized while the case is under investigation. The autopsy on the fetus could be completed as soon as Friday afternoon, officials said.

The names of the girls were not published by The Times because they are juveniles.

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