CNBNews

Officials Release More Information About The Murder Of Newborn Baby

(November 21, 2006)  More information is being released by authorities about the death of the newborn baby in Brooklawn on Saturday, November 18.

Yesterday Acting Camden County Prosecutor James P. Lynch reported that a judge set bail at $200,000, cash only, for the woman accused of killing the 3-week-old boy.

Gloria J. Carter, 34, is charged with the murder of Sean Colvin, who was born on Oct. 25.  Carter is accused of cutting open the baby’s abdomen with a sharp object and throwing the infant down a flight of stairs.  Carter was identified as the former girlfriend of the baby's father, Edward Colvin, of 300 Chestnut Street, where the murder occurred. The suspect was staying at the home temporarily. Carter is not the baby’s mother.  The motive is not clear. Photo by Avi Steinhardt Courier Post.

In a statement to police, Colvin said he was awakened at 7:40 a.m. Saturday by his baby’s crying. He found Carter in a bedroom standing next to the infant and, when he tried to pick up his son, a struggle ensued, he said.

Carter then threw the baby down the steps, according to a probable cause statement placed on the record during Monday’s bail hearing.  The child's mother, Stella Farrish, 25, of Camden, was serving a probationary sentence for riding in a stolen vehicle.  She failed to comply with conditions, according to the November 21 Courier Post, including regularly reporting to a probation officer.  She was sentenced to Camden County Jail and was incarcerated on Nov. 1, a week after giving birth.  Read more 

An autopsy determined the baby died from an abdominal wound and blunt force trauma to the head. 

Brooklawn Police responded to the home at approximately 9:05 a.m. Saturday and found the child with his abdomen slashed.  The baby was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 4:47 a.m. Sunday.

Residents of this tiny community of 4,000 plus people were shocked on Saturday after hearing the news of the heartbreaking event.  " I am speechless said one Chestnut Street neighbor.  What kind of person is this woman?  How could she throw a newborn baby down a flight of stairs?  Then stab the baby in the stomach with a knife.  I hope she is put away for life."

All persons charged with criminal offenses are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.