Inset: Jocelyn Byrum (Rock Hill Police Department). Background: The 1500 block of Riverview Road in Rock Hill, S.C., where Jocelyn Byrum allegedly gave birth to a baby in a toilet after attempting to abort the child a day earlier (Google Maps).
Jocelyn Byrum, a resident of Rock Hill, reportedly ingested the pills with the intention of terminating her pregnancy, according to court records reviewed by The Herald. The baby was born on November 12 at a residence on Riverview Road, the documents state.
Byrum now faces charges of attempted murder and unlawful neglect of a child. During a court hearing on Tuesday, police provided further insights into the case, revealing Byrum’s alleged communications regarding her intentions.
In a text message exchange, a friend allegedly encouraged Byrum, saying, “Yeah, get it gone.”
Detective Tayler Englert of the Rock Hill Police Department testified in court, stating that Byrum confessed to taking medication to induce labor and terminate her pregnancy. After the child’s birth, Byrum reportedly took photographs of the baby and shared them with her family, according to The Herald.
Rock Hill Police Department detective Tayler Englert said Tuesday in court that Byrum “admitted she took the medication to induce labor and terminate the pregnancy.” When the child was born, she allegedly snapped photos of the baby and sent them to her family members, the Herald reports.
According to local Fox affiliate WACH, Byrum allegedly called the authorities after giving birth to her child and confessed at the scene about what happened. EMS initiated lifesaving measures and transported the infant to a hospital for further treatment; the child is expected to survive.
Byrum reportedly cried in court Tuesday while hearing the allegations being made against her. A judge denied her bail and issued a no-contact order that bans Byrum and her family from seeing the child as her case is pending.
If convicted, the young woman will face up to 30 years in prison for the attempted murder charge and 10 years for unlawful neglect.
