Baby Crystal Suspect Says Not Guilty
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Updated: 11:17 PM Sep 16, 2009
Baby Crystal Suspect Says Not Guilty
The prime suspect in the Baby Crystal murder case returns to court Wednesday, saying she's not guilty of killing the infant back in December of 2004.
Posted: 11:06 PM Sep 16, 2009
Reporter: Max Seigle
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Prosecutors say she abandoned the infant on a rural Rockton lawn in freezing cold temperatures. Authorities believe she's also the mother of Baby Crystal.

Along with the not guilty plea, some major details surfaced in court Wednesday about this case, like the fact that prosecutors may seek the death penalty against Stockton and the addition of eight new counts of first degree murder.

It all played out behind these courtroom doors where Katie Stockton quietly told Judge John Truitt that she understood the full 10 counts of first degree murder against her. Then her Public Defender Dave Doll entered a not guilty plea on all counts.

Doll would not comment about the plea after the arraignment. But we did speak with Winnebago County State's Attorney Joe Bruscato about whether or not his office will seek the death penalty for Stockton.

Judge Truitt said in four of the murder counts against her, the 28-year- old from Rockton could be sentenced to death. Bruscato says his office is still weighing that decision.

"As the court indicated, it's alleged that this case is death penalty eligible and the state would have to indicate within 120 days it's desire to accept the death penalty or reject the death penalty," Bruscato said.

We also learned in court Wednesday that prosecutors are alleging Stockton planned the murder of Baby Crystal. She'll be back in court October 28th for a status hearing.

There was no mention in court Wednesday about the two infant remains found in one of Stockton's old cars last month. Winnebago County Coroner Sue Fiduccia says her office is still awaiting the results from forensic testing on the skeletal remains.

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