A man in France discovered the remains of five newborns hidden in cardboard boxes in his home after an argument with his wife, according to prosecutors. The discovery was made in the town of Orange on Monday.
The husband, who was not identified, became suspicious after learning of his wife's pregnancy at a late stage, despite her previous denials. The couple already has two children, ages eight and nine.
During an argument on Monday, the wife, 32, complained of abdominal pain. She was taken to a hospital, and her husband remained at home. He then searched the couple's home and found the five deceased infants, described as decomposing, inside cardboard boxes.
Authorities were notified by the husband from the hospital where his wife was being treated. A forensic pathologist's initial findings suggest the remains belong to five newborns, including bones from four and the decomposed body of a fifth. Autopsies and further laboratory testing have been ordered.
Prosecutors have opened a criminal investigation into suspected murder. The public prosecutor's office has also requested an assessment of the couple's two older children by child welfare services and issued a provisional placement order for the newborn baby boy, who was born at home the day before the discovery.
The mother has not yet spoken to investigators. The couple had no prior history of issues and were described by a neighbor as "charming people."