The public defender for a local woman accused of murdering her newborn son and leaving his body in a Dumpster is considering waiving a hearing scheduled for Thursday.

Prosecutors are charging 19-year-old Abby E. Rhoades with second-degree murder in connection with the baby’s death. The infant was discovered Jan. 8 in the bottom of a Dumpster by a man searching for aluminum cans.

Police began questioning Rhoades shortly after the baby was found and arrested her Jan. 9. According to court documents, Rhoades said she gave birth to the baby in a tub Jan. 3. After giving birth, the baby went limp and Rhoades grabbed him by the neck and heard a “crunch or crack,” according to the documents.

After Rhoades’ arrest, Police Chief Kent Livsey said investigators were certain the baby was born alive. An autopsy report on the infant’s death was completed last week, but prosecutors and Rhoades’ attorney will not comment on it.

John Stosich, Rhoades’ public defender, said he would decide this week if he plans to waive Rhoades’ right to a preliminary hearing.