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West Boca mother sentenced to time served, probation in newborn's death
Bianca Desouza, 23, pleaded guilty to aggravated manslaughter and will undergo 18-month mental health treatment.
Published on Feb. 6, 2026
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Bianca Desouza, a 23-year-old West Boca resident, was sentenced to time served and 10 years of probation after pleading guilty to aggravated manslaughter in the 2022 death of her newborn baby. Desouza will be required to attend an 18-month in-patient mental health treatment program in New Mexico as part of her sentence.
Why it matters
This case highlights the complex issues surrounding neonaticide, where mothers conceal pregnancies and kill newborns, often due to mental health challenges and traumatic backgrounds. Desouza's sentence, which is more lenient than typical neonaticide cases, reflects the judge's consideration of her young age, history of abuse, and mental health issues.
The details
In 2022, paramedics found Desouza's newborn baby dead in her West Boca home. Desouza initially faced up to 45 years in prison for aggravated manslaughter and child neglect charges, but pleaded guilty in December. The judge sentenced her to time served and 10 years of probation, requiring her to attend an 18-month mental health treatment program in New Mexico.
- On May 2, 2022, Desouza gave birth to her newborn son in her bedroom, alone.
- In December 2025, Desouza pleaded guilty to aggravated manslaughter.
- On February 6, 2026, Desouza was sentenced to time served and 10 years of probation.
The players
Bianca Desouza
A 23-year-old West Boca resident who pleaded guilty to aggravated manslaughter in the 2022 death of her newborn baby.
Elizabeth Ramsey
Desouza's attorney and the chief of serious crimes for the Palm Beach County Public Defender's Office.
Judge Sarah Willis
The Palm Beach County judge who granted a defense motion to allow for a lesser sentence for Desouza.
What they’re saying
“'I'm mad that I could just let my body stop working.'”
— Bianca Desouza (Court Records)
“'She really has never had a chance in life,' ... 'I think she's at a stage where I'm really excited, I think she can do this. I think she's going to come back a very different person and she's going to be a productive and happy member of our community.'”
— Elizabeth Ramsey, Chief of Serious Crimes, Palm Beach County Public Defender's Office (South Florida Sun Sentinel)
What’s next
Desouza must go directly to the New Mexico treatment center for at least a year, after which she must get a job or attend school while on probation.
The takeaway
This case highlights the complex mental health and trauma issues that can lead to neonaticide, and the challenges of balancing punishment and rehabilitation for young mothers in these tragic situations.
