|
|
Shannon Torrez Pleads No Contest
The woman who kidnapped baby Abby says she doesn't remember slashing the baby's mother's throat and taking the newborn.
By Michelle Anselmo,
May 9, 2008, 3:02 PM CDT
The woman who kidnapped baby Abby says she doesn't remember slashing the baby's mother's throat and taking the newborn. Shannon Torrez pleaded no contest Friday to the 2006 attack and abduction.
Shannon Torrez entered what's called an alford plea. She didn't admit guilt, but the plea acknowledges overwhelming evidence is stacked against her.
Wearing an orange jumpsuit, Shannon Torrez was escorted inside the Franklin County courthouse. Handcuffed and shackled, Torrez's blank expression remained unchanged as cameras snapped her picture.
In court, Torrez answered in a whisper after the charges against her were read; first degree assault, armed criminal action, and kidnapping.
She never admitted guilt. Defense Attorney Scott Rosenblum said, "somebody can't admit something they can't remember." Prosecutors say she knew a jury would convict her.
Franklin County Prosecuting Attorney Bob Parks said, "she'd be found guilty and that's the bottom line."
It's been almost two years since the near fatal attack on Stephanie Ochsenbine. Today we learned how hard Ochsenbine fought to save one week old baby Abby from Torrez.
"She was stabbed in the back. Her throat was slashed twice, her thumb was severed but was still able to fight her until she was choked out," said Parks.
Parks says the family is relieved by the plea. They wanted to avoid a trial. "The family is doing well. They said they'll make a statement after the sentencing. They don't want to say anything yet," said Parks.
Torrez' defense attorney says she's remorseful. "She's terribly sorry for her actions and it's not in dispute she gave birth to a stillborn that morning. She was dealing with issues," said Rosenblum.
Mental issues that Scott Rosenblum said will come out during Torrez's sentencing. He said there are facts to this case that may help explain her behavior.
Torrez is facing 10 to 30 years for each of the three counts.
A sentencing date is scheduled for May 27.
Copyright © 2008, KPLR
|
|
|
|
|
E-mail story
Print