Mother May Avoid Jail Time in Baby’s Death
Melissa Ann Rowland, described by prosecutors earlier as a selfish mother who murdered her unborn son by delaying a caesarean section, pleaded guilty to lesser charges in a deal that might spare her any time behind bars.
Rowland pleaded guilty in Salt Lake City to two third-degree felony counts of child endangerment. Prosecutors are recommending no jail or prison time, saying her mental condition justified the deal.
Rowland, 28, was charged with murder for exhibiting “depraved indifference” in allegedly ignoring doctors’ repeated warnings to undergo surgery to save her twins’ lives, only one of whom survived.
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