Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Manslaughter Charges Dropped in Minnesota 'Baby Angel' Case After Misdemeanor Plea

Medical uncertainties about the infant’s death led prosecutors to accept a misdemeanor plea.

Overview

  • Prosecutors dismissed two second-degree manslaughter counts after Jennifer Baechle pleaded guilty to interfering with a dead body, a gross misdemeanor.
  • The court ordered 40 hours of community service, supervised probation, and a two-year stay of imposition as part of the deal.
  • The agreement bars the state from bringing any further charges related to Baby Angel, according to court records.
  • Medical examiners told the court the cause and timing of death were unclear, with one saying the infant could have died before birth.
  • The 2011 case was revived through genetic genealogy that pointed to Baechle, and DNA collected from trash and later via warrant showed strong evidence of maternity, with relatives linking a pendant and angel figurines to her.