ZANESVILLE, Ohio -- The Muskingum County Prosecutor says charges have been filed against a Monroe County woman in connection with the deceased newborn found outside of a student residence on Muskingum University's campus in April.
Prosecutor Mike Haddox announced on Thursday morning that a Muskingum County grand jury has indicted 20-year-old Emile Weaver of Clarington, Ohio on four felony counts, including aggravated murder of a victim younger than 13 years old, abuse of a corpse, and two counts of tampering with evidence. If convicted, Weaver - who is the mother of the child - could face life imprisonment.
Muskingum County Coroner Charles Feicht previously stated that the baby was born at approximately 8 a.m. on April 22 before being placed in a plastic bag. The tightly-knotted bag was found by Muskingum University Police outside of the university-owned house on Lakeside Drive, occupied by the Delta Gamma Theta sorority, approximately 13 hours later.
Haddox said that Weaver is believed to have given birth to the baby inside the sorority house on the morning of April 22, but he would not say if anyone else was aware of Weaver's pregnancy or birth. Feicht says that the mother was near full-term when she gave birth to the baby girl.
Haddox said that, at this time, no other individuals are expected to be charged in connection with the case.
Weaver will appear in Muskingum County Common Pleas Court for arraignment next Wednesday at 11 a.m.