Trial Begins for Mother Accused of Killing Baby

A McKinney woman accused of killing her 10-month-old daughter by cutting off the baby’s arms with a kitchen knife went on trial Monday after pleading not guilty by reason of insanity.

Police found Dena Schlosser, 37, covered in blood in her kitchen, still holding a knife and listening to a church hymn.

During opening statements, her attorney said Schlosser clearly did not know right from wrong during the November 2004 slaying of baby Margaret.

“This is somebody who at the time was not capable of knowing what she was doing was wrong,” defense attorney William Schultz said. “She didn’t see it coming.... Normally Dena is a sweet woman. She cares, she has compassion.”