Woman Charged In Death Of Newborn Found In Cublicle Ruled Competent
REDFORD TOWNSHIP (WWJ/AP) - Defense lawyers say a Detroit-area woman accused of giving birth at work and hiding the boy in a plastic bag in her cubicle has been found mentally competent.
The Detroit News reports results of the evaluation were revealed Monday during a hearing for Kimberly Pappas of Wyandotte, who faces murder and child abuse charges.
Judge Karen Khalil of 17th District Court declined to rule on Pappas' competency until results of a portion of the exam addressing criminal responsibility is complete.
An Aug. 24 hearing is scheduled to determine if the case goes to trial. r.
Prosecutors allege that Pappas on March 31 gave birth to a "live full term child" in the restroom of CEVA Logistics — a Redford Township freight management business — sealed the infant in a plastic bag, and hid him at her desk while she continued her work day.
The Wayne County Medical Examiner's office ruled the baby's death a homicide, saying he died of suffocation shortly after he was born.
Investigators believe Pappas was able to hide her pregnancy not only from her co-workers, but also from her family.
Pappas' attorney, Raymond Cassar has said he believes his client suffers from "serious mental health issues" and has sought treatment for her.
[Authorities are reminding the public that Michigan has a "safe haven" law — which allows parents to safely surrender their newborn child, no more than 72-hours-old, to an employee who is inside and on duty at any hospital, fire department or police station, or by calling 911. This program is a safe, legal and anonymous alternative to abandonment or infanticide, and releases the newborn for placement with an adoptive family].
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