Opening Statements Set To Begin Wednesday In Longmont Fetus Cutting Case
BOULDER, Colo. (CBS4) - Opening statements are set for Wednesday in the trial of a woman accused of cutting the unborn baby out of a pregnant woman in Longmont.
Aa jury was seated on Wednesday in the trial of Dynel Lane. The victim, Michelle Wilkins, survived the attack but lost her baby.
Lane's trial is being held in Boulder and dramatic testimony is expected in the trial. CBS4 has learned prosecutors plan to call Wilkins as their first witness.
It's been nearly a year since Lane, 35, according to prosecutors, attacked Wilkins and cut her unborn baby from her body. Last March, Wilkins, 27, went to Lane's home in Longmont, responding to a Craigslist ad for baby clothes. Police say Lane used a lava lamp to attack Wilkins, and then went to a local hospital claiming she had just given birth to the child.
Wilkins described the attack to Dr. Phil on his show.
"Was there a time you lost consciousness?" Dr. Phil asked her.
"I did and I can remember my thought right before losing consciousness," Wilkins replied. "I was thinking about Aurora (her unborn daughter) and wanting to survive (for) her."
Because a coroner did not find evidence the unborn baby showed signs of life outside the womb, District Attorney Stan Garnett decided not to charge Lane with murder. His decision sparked outrage from some religious leaders and lawmakers.
Lane pleaded not guilty to attempted murder, unlawful termination of a pregnancy and felony assault.