Overview

• The 35-year-old faces a manslaughter charge at the Landgericht Hechingen over allegations she placed her newborn in a washer after a secret home birth in Albstadt on March 29.
• In her first court statement, she said she acted out of fear and shock, claimed she did not know she was pregnant, and described the baby as not moving and without a detectable pulse.
• Prosecutors contend she concealed the pregnancy and at least foresaw the possibility that her partner would start the machine without noticing the child.
• An autopsy reported severe skull trauma and death from extensive brain edema, with possible oxygen deprivation inside the drum contributing.
• The judge voiced skepticism about her account, three more hearings are scheduled through October 6, and she remains in pretrial custody.