Woman charged in baby's death in Lacey

Woman charged in baby's death in Lacey

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Story Published: Aug 18, 2008 at 11:08 PM PDT

Story Updated: Nov 21, 2008 at 12:51 AM PDT

By Associated Press

LACEY, Wash. (AP) - A 29-year-old woman has been charged with second-degree murder in the death of her newborn daughter.

Deputy Prosecutor Christy Peters said Monday it is clear that Jessica Wemhaner intended to kill her daughter - although without premeditation - based on a review of police reports, autopsy results and detectives' interviews.

On Aug. 10, Wemhaner was transported to Providence St. Peter Hospital in Olympia. Doctors there determined she had recently given birth but both she and her husband denied any knowledge of a pregnancy.

Police obtained a warrant, searched their house and found the body of a newborn girl in the cabinet below the sink of the master bathroom.

An autopsy determined that the baby had been born alive after a full-term pregnancy.

Investigators do not believe Wemhaner's husband, Daniel Wemhaner, knew of the pregnancy or the baby.

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