Mehtap’s Father Arrested for the Death of His Baby at Home
Mother arrested after newborn found dead at home, father also arrested
On April 8, Ayşegül Talay, a 30-year-old mother, called the fire department for assistance as she had forgotten her key at home in the İstiklal District of Seyhan, Turkey. Upon arrival, the firefighters discovered the body of her 2-month-old child, Mehtap, in a black bag inside the home. The mother, who had previously escaped domestic violence and married Suat Talay, a known drug user, was taken into custody. In her statement, Ayşegül Talay claimed that she was under the influence of drugs at the time of the incident and did not realize that her baby had died. She stated that she had washed the child with her father a week prior and left the baby by the stove, believing it to be sleeping for a week. She was then arrested by the court.
Following the incident, the Homicide Bureau began working on the case to arrest Suat Talay, who had been on the run. He was subsequently apprehended and taken into police custody before being transferred to the courthouse for arraignment. Meanwhile, the autopsy of baby Mehtap has been completed at Adana Forensic Medicine Institute, with the body yet to be released.
The tragic event highlights the importance of mental health and substance abuse treatment for individuals who find themselves in problematic situations. It also serves as a reminder to always prioritize the well-being and safety of children, and to report any concerns immediately to the appropriate authorities.
