Mother of deceased Ghent baby referred to correctional court for involuntary manslaughter, father for culpable negligence

In the case of a 5-month-old baby's death in Ghent in 2024, the child's mother has been sent to the correctional court. She faces charges including involuntary manslaughter, culpable negligence, drug offenses, and neglect in the maintenance of a minor.

The father of the child has also been referred to the court for similar charges, with the exception of involuntary manslaughter. The child's death was confirmed on October 12, 2024. The tragic events unfolded in an apartment on Leiekaai, and the parents themselves had called emergency services.

Following the discovery, a medical examiner was appointed for further investigation, and both parents were arrested. They were brought before an investigating judge in Ghent, who initially ordered their detention for involuntary manslaughter. The parents, a 55-year-old man and a 41-year-old woman at the time, were subsequently released under conditions in December 2024.