By AP/KWMU
Union, Mo. – The woman accused of slashing a young mother's throat and stealing her newborn baby may be nearing a plea agreement.
Franklin County Prosecutor Bob Parks told the Washington Missourian that under a tentative agreement, Shannon Torrez of Lonedell, Mo., will enter an Alford plea at a May 9 hearing to charges of kidnapping, first-degree assault and armed criminal action.
Under the Alford plea, the suspect does not admit guilt but concedes there is sufficient evidence for a guilty verdict.
Torrez's attorney would say only that there have been plea discussions with prosecutors.
Authorities say Torrez attacked Stephenie Ochsenbine in 2006 and kidnapped her 7-day-old baby, Abby Woods.
Torrez was arrested four days later and the baby was recovered unharmed. Ochsenbine recovered from her wounds.