French mum, 34, in HK allegedly drowns 7-month-old daughter before killing herself

A 34-year-old mother and her seven-month-old daughter were found dead in a flat in Hong Kong on Oct. 13 after a suspected infanticide and suicide.

The woman's husband found their bodies at about 4pm after he returned to the flat on Shouson Hill Road near Aberdeen.

Initial investigations revealed that the woman hung herself after drowning her daughter.

Neither of the bodies showed signs of external injuries, leading to suspicion that they had died from asphyxiation.

Both were pronounced dead at the scene.

Police said the case has been classified as an infanticide and suicide, and investigations are ongoing.

Suspected postnatal depression

The woman, a French expatriate who held a Hong Kong identity card, was believed to be suffering from relapsed postnatal depression, South China Morning Post reported.

She reportedly had a history of depression and showed signs of a relapse after giving birth to her daughter, requiring her to take regular antidepressants.

Local media reported that she lived with her husband, who is a French national, her daughter and a foreign domestic helper.

At the time of her death, CCTV footage confirmed she was home alone with her daughter as the maid had left the home about 20 minutes prior.

A suicide note addressed to the woman's family was found in the flat during investigations, containing words such as "unhappy" and "sorry".

A psychiatrist told SCMP that major changes in living environments and daily routines in a mother's life can cause immense stress, especially when caring for a newborn baby.

Expatriates face additional challenges, the doctor added, due to the lack of nearby family support and familiarity with community resources.

Helplines

If you or someone you know are in mental distress, here are some hotlines you can call to seek help, advice, or just a listening ear:

SOS 24-hour Hotline: 1-767

Singapore Association for Mental Health: 1800-283-7019

Institute of Mental Health: 6389-2222 (24 hours)

Tinkle Friend: 1800-274-4788 (for primary school-aged children)

SHECARES@SCWO: Call: 8001 01 4616 | WhatsApp: 6571 4400 (for targets of online harms)

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