Story originally printed in the La Crosse Tribune or online at www.lacrossetribune.com
Published - Friday, September 05, 2008
Update: Book bound over in baby’s death
A La Crosse woman pleaded not guilty today to charges that she caused the death of her newborn child and then hid the child’s corpse.
Indra Book, 20, entered the plea after she was bound over to stand trial on charges of first-degree intentional homicide and concealing a corpse.
La Crosse County Circuit Judge Scott Horne rejected a defense motion to have the homicide charge thrown out.
Book is accused of letting her infant die by not providing feedings or other proper care after giving birth alone on Aug. 17, 2007, at her former residence at 813 S. Sixth St., according to the criminal complaint.
Moments after Book was charged on June 18, public defender Vincent Rust challenged the homicide charge, contending Book's “omission” of care doesn't constitute the intent required to support first-degree intentional homicide.
La Crosse County District Attorney Tim Gruenke argues that Book’s failure to care for her daughter before and after birth supports a first-degree intentional homicide charge in the newborn's death.
Horne said there is enough probable cause to allow the state to proceed with the case.
A status conference will be held at 9 a.m. Oct. 7.
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