Arrow-right Camera
The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Mom who killed baby insane

Associated Press The Spokesman-Review

McKINNEY, Texas – A mother charged with murder for cutting off her baby daughter’s arms in what her lawyers portrayed as a religious frenzy was found not guilty by reason of insanity Friday by a judge.

Dena Schlosser, 38, will be sent to a state mental hospital and held until she is no longer deemed a threat to herself or others.

“My own expectation is that she will remain at the hospital for many, many years,” defense attorney David Haynes said.

Police arrested Schlosser in 2004 after she told a 911 operator she had severed her baby’s arms. Officers found the 10-month-old baby near death in her crib and Schlosser covered in blood, holding a knife and listening to a hymn.

Judge Chris Oldner said Schlosser had met the legal standard for insanity, but did not elaborate. Both the defense and the prosecution had agreed to let the judge decide the case after Schlosser’s previous trial ended in a deadlocked jury in February.