Trial Date Set For Bowman Child-Drowning Suspect

BOWMAN, N.D. (AP) — A Bowman woman has pleaded not guilty to drowning her newborn baby and has been scheduled for trial beginning Dec. 4.

Authorities allege that 42-year-old Stephanie Lindstrom gave birth in the bathroom of her Bowman home on July 23. They say the baby was found drowned in the toilet.

Lindstrom and her boyfriend both later told police that they were unaware of her pregnancy.

Lindstrom on Thursday pleaded not guilty to Class AA felony murder, a charge that carries a maximum sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Defense attorney Erica Jaehning said in court that the coroner's report "does not indicate the manner of death, just the cause of death."

Prosecutor Andrew Weiss argued that there was probable cause to continue the case against Lindstrom.