West Boca Raton, FL – A Florida woman entered a guilty plea for the death of her newborn son. Bianca R. Desouza, 23, pleaded guilty to aggravated manslaughter of a child and neglect of a child causing great bodily harm on Thursday.
The case stems from an incident that occurred on May 2, 2022. At 4:56 p.m., emergency responders arrived at a residence in West Boca Raton following a call about an unresponsive infant.
The infant’s grandmother reported finding the baby unresponsive in Desouza’s bedroom. The child was transported to West Boca Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
Desouza gave birth to the child in her bed but did not seek medical assistance after the birth. She reported that after holding the infant until he stopped crying, she left him on the bed while taking a shower.
Desouza indicated she was unaware the child had died until her mother entered the room. The mother reported Desouza had experienced significant stress regarding the impending birth and potential adoption of the child.
Desouza was released from a psychiatric facility on May 11, 2022. She later expressed regret and explained her confusion during the labor process.
The Palm Beach County medical examiner classified the infant’s death as a homicide due to asphyxia. The report noted that the mother did not attempt to reposition the baby during or after the birth.
Desouza’s plea agreement stipulates a prison sentence of up to 45 years. Sentencing is set for January 29, 2026.
