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'Prom baby' mother pleads not guilty
October 27, 1997
Web posted at: 11:38 a.m. EST (1638 GMT)NEW YORK (CNN) -- Melissa Drexler, the 19-year-old New Jersey student accused of killing her baby during her high school prom, pleaded not guilty Monday.
Drexler entered the plead during a brief arraignment, and a trial has been set for January 20.
Drexler is accused of murdering her newborn after delivering the baby boy in a bathroom at her June prom in Lacey Township, New Jersey.
Prosecutors contend that the baby was alive at birth but died from asphyxiation, possibly from the plastic bag in which maintenance workers found him. One of Drexler's friends told NBC's "Dateline" that the girl believed the baby was stillborn.
Drexler was indicted on one count of murder last month by a grand jury and during her first appearance in court, her lawyer pleaded not guilty.
If Drexler is found guilty of murder, she could face 30 years to life in prison.
For her to be found guilty of murder, a jury has to believe that she killed the baby and was aware of what she was doing.
Related stories:
- Mother of 'prom baby' to be arraigned - October 25, 1997
- Friend: Teen who gave birth at prom thought baby was dead - June 30, 1997
- Teen charged with murder in prom baby death - June 24, 1997
- Teens indicted for first-degree murder in death of infant - December 9, 1997
Related site:
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- Death at the prom - A chronology of the events from the Asbury Park Press
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