A mom in Colorado who reportedly suffered from postpartum psychosis has been charged in the death of her 2-month-old son. Anna Englund, 29, allegedly killed her son, Miles Basellio, after making threats of harm to herself and the infant. Witnesses reported seeing the mother take off with Miles on Saturday afternoon, amid what some say was a mental health crisis.
Miles' father, who asked not to be identified in the media, told 9 News that Englund had been working through mental health issues since the baby's birth. He told the news outlet that despite the threats, he never thought that she would do something so sinister.
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Englund reportedly sought help multiple times.
The baby's father told 9 News that Englund had visited Boulder Community Hospital twice recently, seeking help while struggling with postpartum difficulties.
"I can't comprehend, like, the medical base backing for her acting that way. I can't comprehend her internal thought process," Miles' father said. "It's weird that you can form a life with somebody and this happens and it's like, what? You wouldn't think that was that person."
A friend called police to perform a welfare check.
A woman who called herself Englund's close friend, former roommate, neighbor, and Miles' godmother, told CBS Colorado she was concerned for her friend and called authorities to check on her. She asked the station not to show her face or mention her name.
"She was working with a therapist on it, and seemed to be getting better, we thought she was better and then all of a sudden she just took off," the friend told the news outlet.
Englund disappeared with the baby Saturday afternoon.
The friend told CBS Colorado that Miles' father frantically knocked on her door, hoping to find Englund at her home, but she was not there. He told the friend that he had gone to the bathroom, and when he came out, they were gone.
"She randomly left with the baby, no shoes that we know of, grabbed her bag, left her phone, and we weren't able to find her at any of the places she likes to go to," Englund's friend said.
Authorities searched for the mother and baby for hours.
Her car was finally spotted around 10:20 p.m., possibly en route to Boulder Community Hospital, 9 News reported. Officers approached her in the hospital parking lot and rushed Miles to the emergency room. Sadly, he was pronounced dead at 10:48 p.m.
"Our hearts are with the child's family during this terrible and difficult time," Boulder Police Chief Maris Herold shared in a statement on Facebook. "This is a tragic situation, and we are thinking about the child's loved ones as they grieve all that has happened."
The department noted that it is continuing its investigation, hoping to piece together what led up to the baby's death.
"Based on the information and evidence, the baby's mother is currently in jail and facing charges of first-degree murder (2 counts) and child abuse resulting in death (1 count)," the statement read.
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Postpartum mental health has been a hot topic in the media for months.
In January, Lindsay Clancy allegedly strangled her three children and attempted suicide during a mental health crisis. She was left permanently paralyzed, and her attorneys claim doctors did not adequately treat the mother of three and that her fragile mental health led to the horrific deaths.
Cleveland Clinic notes that although it is a serious condition, postpartum psychosis does not always end in tragedy.
"Postpartum psychosis (PPP) is a mental health emergency. This condition affects a person's sense of reality, causing hallucinations, delusions, paranoia or other behavior changes. In severe cases, people with PPP may attempt to harm themselves or their newborn. This condition is treatable, and early treatment increases the odds of a good outcome," its site reads.
