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Mother of missing Fla. baby, believed dead, accused of murder

NORTH PORT, Fla. -- The mother of a missing Florida baby now believed dead is facing a first-degree murder charge, reports CBS affiliate WINK.

Florida authorities last week said they think they have found the body of 9-week-old Chance Walsh, who has been missing since Sept. 9, buried in North Port, a Florida city near the state's western Gulf coastline.

His parents, Kristen Bury and Joseph Walsh, were arrested on Florida child abuse charges in South Carolina. The Tampa Tribune reported Bury was booked into the Sarasota County jail on murder and neglect charges late Friday. It's unclear if she has retained an attorney.

WINK reports Joseph Walsh was being extradited from South Carolina to Florida Sunday night. A Sarasota County Sheriff's Office spokeswoman couldn't confirm to the Sarasota Herald-Tribune whether he would face additional charges.

Authorities say they became involved when Chance's grandmother called them Oct. 4, concerned about the baby's well-being. Detectives say the infant's parents gave them conflicting stories.

Arrest documents say Bury told investigators where they could find the baby's body, reports the station. A body was then discovered in a dense, wooded area about 13 miles from the infant's home.

The medical examiner is working to confirm whether the remains are those of Chance Walsh.

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