Karima Jiwani, a 40-year-old woman accused of leaving her newborn baby in a plastic bag and abandoning her in the Georgia woods four years ago, has been denied bond due to concerns of potential witness intimidation. The baby, known as Baby India, was found alive and in good condition by a local family.
Jiwani is facing charges that include attempted murder and cruelty to children, with prosecutors presenting DNA evidence and the defendant’s own statements to support their case.
Prosecutors argued against granting Jiwani bond, expressing worries about potential witness intimidation, as her husband and children could potentially serve as witnesses in the case. They presented DNA evidence and the defendant’s statements as additional evidence, indicating her alleged intention to harm the child.
Jiwani’s defense attorney claimed that she suffered from postpartum depression and psychosis, providing medical records and expert testimony to support this assertion. However, the prosecution countered by stating that there was no evidence of psychosis and that postpartum depression was unlikely to have been a contributing factor.
Chief Magistrate Keisha Martin Chambless denied Jiwani’s bond, citing concerns about flight risk and the potential for witness intimidation. During the court appearance, Jiwani’s defense attorney advised her not to respond when asked if she had any questions. A preliminary hearing has been scheduled for June 13.
Jiwani was arrested after a nearly four-year investigation, during which the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office released body camera footage of Baby India’s recovery in an attempt to identify her.
The child’s father has identified through advanced DNA investigative practices about ten months ago, and further DNA evidence confirmed Jiwani as the biological mother.
The sheriff stated that there was no evidence suggesting that the child’s father was aware of the pregnancy or the subsequent abandonment. Interviews with family and medical professionals revealed that Jiwani had a history of concealed pregnancies and surprise births, going to great lengths to hide her pregnancies. No prior criminal acts involving Jiwani have been discovered.
The Forsyth County Sheriff announced that Baby India, whose current name remains undisclosed, is happy and healthy. However, further details about her well-being were not provided.
