Woman Gives Birth in Brooklyn Courtroom After Drug Arrest

A woman gave birth inside a Brooklyn courtroom late Friday night while awaiting arraignment on drug charges, an incident that has prompted calls for an investigation from public defender organizations. Samantha Randazzo, 33, delivered a healthy baby boy just before midnight in Brooklyn Criminal Court.

According to police, Randazzo was arrested on Thursday evening after officers allegedly observed her and another person on the rooftop of a public housing complex in Sheepshead Bay with a controlled substance in plain view. She was charged with criminal trespass and possession of a controlled substance. Police stated that at the time of her arrest and processing, Randazzo was wearing baggy clothing, did not inform officers she was pregnant, and declined medical attention.

Early Friday morning, she told officers she was pregnant and experiencing drug withdrawal. She was taken to a hospital for evaluation and was discharged later that evening. She was then transported to court for arraignment. Her attorney, Wynton Sharpe, said doctors had not realized she was so close to giving birth when she was released.

During the court proceedings, Randazzo’s water broke while she was seated on a...