The young woman accused of abandoning her newborn baby in a hospital trash can says she left her son because she needed to get her life together.
The baby is alive and being cared for at Tacoma's Children's Hospital.
Investigators say the baby's mother, Jasmine Ritchey, never told anyone she was pregnant. Instead, the 23-year-old woman told her boyfriend and her family that she had ovarian cancer, and she was bloated as a result of chemotherapy.
Ritchey appeared in court on Wednesday, suspected of attempted murder.
Prosecutor Jack Jones, in demanding a high bail, highlighted what he called "the shocking disregard for life that the defendant's conduct shows."
According to court documents, Ritchey called 911 from a motel Tuesday morning and told the operators her water had broken. She said the baby was a month premature, and she needed to get to a hospital.
When she arrived at St. Peter Hospital, however, she told medics she was an ovarian cancer patient receiving chemotherapy, and that she was in pain. Doctors wanted a urine sample.
Ritchey now admits she gave birth on her third trip to the restroom. A nurse saw blood on her legs and went to investigate.
The nurse heard small grunting sounds coming from the trash can. He found the baby at the bottom, the umbilical cord wrapped around its neck, according to documents.
Eight months ago, Tristan Williamson was Ritchey's boyfriend. She told him she had cancer and couldn't have kids:
"I didn't even know she was pregnant," he said. "Obviously, I want to find out if the kid is mine. And if it is, I'm going to go for custody for it."
Ritchey showed no emotion at Wednesday's hearing. Williamson said he found it difficult to face the woman in court.
"I'm shocked and I'm hurt," said Tristan.
Williamson's mother was also present, offering help to her son.
"I'll give him all the support to help him raise the baby," said Ailene Williamson. "If that's his choice, I'll be proud of him. When you hear what she allegedly did, it makes me sad. Makes me want to cry. It's a child. It's an innocent life."
The judge set bail at $50,000. He ordered Ritchey to stay aware from her newborn son. Her two other children have been taken into protective custody.
The prosecutor has until Friday to file charges.