Accused Kidnaper Was Distraught Over Miscarriage, Police Say
- Share via
BERKELEY — Baby Kerri’s accused kidnaper told police she took the newborn from Alta Bates Medical Center while she was distraught over a miscarriage, authorities said Thursday.
Karen Lea Hughes, 41, who has three children, is awaiting arraignment on charges of kidnaping, child stealing and burglary. She was held in lieu of $250,000 bail and could face 20 years in prison.
Police said Hughes posed as a county social worker to take 2-day-old Kerri from the arms of her mother. Hughes confessed during interrogation shortly after her arrest, Alameda County Deputy Dist. Atty. Jack Radisch said.
Sign up for Essential California
The most important California stories and recommendations in your inbox every morning.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
