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Ore. Woman Dodges Charge for Fetus Cut From Womb
Faces death penalty for aggravated killing
By Matt Cantor
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Posted Jun 16, 09 9:06 AM CDT
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(Newser)
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The Oregon woman accused of cutting the fetus out of another woman has been indicted on aggravated murder charges, but she won’t be charged for the fetus’ death, the AP reports. Under Oregon law, it must be shown that a baby drew at least one breath outside the womb before any separate charge can be considered.
An autopsy and interviews found no evidence the fetus had survived outside the womb, said the district attorney. The aggravated murder charges allege that Korena Roberts, 27, attempted to kidnap the baby of 21-year-old Heather Snively and rob her, and tried to conceal the crimes, the DA said. Roberts faces the death penalty.