DURHAM, North Carolina — A newborn baby boy was found alive in a toilet inside an apartment last month, and the teenager who gave birth to him is now facing serious felony charges.
Syeisha Johnson, 18, and her boyfriend Elijah Speight, 19, were both arrested after first responders were called to a residence on Ross Road in Durham on July 29.
When paramedics arrived, they found the newborn inside a toilet. The baby had a pulse. He was rushed to the hospital immediately and is still receiving treatment.
What Investigators Found Out
Authorities determined the baby was born at 31 weeks — well into the third trimester.
Johnson had learned she was pregnant in June, at approximately 20 weeks along. According to police, she ordered the abortion drug mifepristone online and took it just days before giving birth.
She was sitting on the toilet when she delivered the child. The baby was left there before 911 was called.
Speight told police the medication was found in Johnson’s purse.
The Charges They Are Facing
Johnson is charged with assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill, child abuse, and assault inflicting serious bodily injury on an unborn child.
Speight is charged with negligent child abuse.
In North Carolina, abortion is illegal after 12 weeks, with limited exceptions.
Both were booked at Durham County Jail and have since posted $1,000 bonds. Their next court date is August 26.
The case has been submitted to the Durham County District Attorney’s Office for review.
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