Alanah Gail Smithwick, 28, arrested in BaldivisShe will face court later today
A woman has been charged with murder after an eight-month-old baby was found dead inside a suburban home.
Alanah Gail Smithwick, 28, was arrested at a property on Winpara Way, in Baldivis in Perth‘s southern suburbs, on Thursday.
Emergency services were called to the home about 10.15am, with officers allegedly arriving to find the eight-month-old dead inside.
Detectives immediately declared the death as suspicious and Smithwick was taken into custody at the scene.
Police announced on Friday the 28-year-old had been charged with murder.
Police spent Friday scouring the scene for evidence, with a pram and Halloween decorations seen on the front lawn of the property.
The incident has rocked the quiet community as residents grapple to come to terms with the news.
Alanah Smithwick, 28, has been charged over the alleged murder of a baby
Police are pictured at the scene on Thursday
‘I don’t know what to say really, I’m in shock,’ neighbour Graham told 9NEWS.
‘I’m pretty shaken,’ another neighbour, Prescinda, said.
‘It’s so sad’.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Police on 131 444, or report information to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or at www.crimestopperswa.com.au
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Woman charged over the alleged murder of an eight-month-old baby in Australia