Chilling Texts Surface as Former Florida Student Faces Trial for Newborn’s Death in Dorm

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A former University of Tampa student accused of killing her newborn baby allegedly sent chilling text messages months before the child’s death, describing infanticide as her “favorite” form of birth control. The trial is set to begin later this month.

New court filings, first reported by the Tampa Bay Times, reveal a disturbing exchange of text messages from September 2023 between  Brianna Moore and a young man from Mississippi. In the messages, the two discussed abortion and contraception. The man wrote, “Plan A was condoms. Plan B was the pill. Plan C was to kill the kid.” Moore responded, “Plan C is my favorite.”

Prosecutors say the text messages provide insight into Moore’s mindset in the months before the child’s death. While the man’s connection to Moore remains unclear, her attorney, Jonah Dickstein, insists the messages have been misunderstood and were part of a broader, casual conversation about abortion laws. He also confirmed the man was not the baby’s father.

Dickstein further stated that Moore was unaware she was pregnant until she went into labor. Her legal team argues she experienced a cryptic pregnancy, a rare condition where a woman either does not realize or fully denies she is pregnant until the time of delivery.

Forensic neuropsychologist Dr. Nicole Graham evaluated Moore ahead of the trial and supported this claim in a deposition. Dr. Graham described Moore as emotionally immature and struggling with mental health issues, including a past of self-harm. She said these factors likely contributed to Moore’s inability to recognize or accept her pregnancy.

Moore, 19 at the time, was arrested in October 2024 in Missouri, several months after the infant was found dead in a dormitory bathroom on the Florida campus. According to the Hillsborough County State Attorney’s Office, the investigation began in April after Moore’s roommates reported hearing a baby crying from the shared bathroom, followed by discovering blood. The next day, a deceased newborn was found wrapped in a blood-soaked towel and hidden in the trash.

Moore later admitted to authorities that she had given birth alone and held the baby tightly against her chest until the child stopped crying. She allegedly told investigators she then wrapped the newborn in a towel and disposed of the body in a trash bin. Authorities say no effort was made to seek medical help or alert emergency services.

Moore faces multiple charges, including aggravated manslaughter of a child, child neglect with great bodily harm, unlawful handling of human remains, and failure to report a death to law enforcement or a medical examiner. If convicted, she could face significant prison time.

The case has stirred public debate over mental health support for college students and the responsibilities institutions have in monitoring their welfare. As the trial approaches, attention is turning to how the court will weigh Moore’s mental state and emotional history against the disturbing details of the case.