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NC judge deciding on venue for trial of stepmom charged with killing Zahra Baker
Elisa Baker
/ Hickory Police Department(CBS/AP) NEWTON, N.C. - An arraignment is scheduled in North Carolina for Elisa Baker, the woman accused of killing her 10-year-old disabled stepdaughter, Zahra Baker.
Baker, 43, is charged with second-degree murder and obstruction of justice in the death of her stepdaughter, Zahra, an Australian girl who had a prosthetic leg and hearing aids because of her fight with bone cancer.At Baker's arraignment, a judge also plans to say where he's moving the trial, which is being moved due to pretrial publicity.
Defense attorney Scott Reilly filed a change of venue motion arguing coverage in area newspapers and comments on the web "reveal a deep prejudice against" Elisa Baker, reports CBS affiliate WBTV.
Zahra went missing in October 2010 and was found dead months later. Authorities say Baker dismembered the girl's body to cover up her killing.
Baker helped lead authorities to her body parts. She could face up to 30 years in prison if convicted.
Complete coverage of Zahra Clare Baker on Crimesider
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