Click here to subscribe today or Login.
PITTSBURGH — Jury selection is scheduled to begin Monday in the case of a woman accused of trying to cut a fetus from her neighbor’s womb, although her attorney said he is trying to negotiate a plea agreement in the case.
Peggy Jo Conner, 39, of Manor Township, is charged with attempted homicide, aggravated assault and kidnapping in the alleged attack on Valerie Oskin, on Oct. 13, 2005, which authorities allege was a plot to steal Oskin’s baby and keep it as her own.
Authorities allege that Conner attacked Oskin inside her home, rendered her unconscious or semiconscious by hitting her with a baseball bat, then drove Oskin to a remote location where she used a razor knife to cut open Oskin’s abdomen an effort to remove her unborn baby.
Oskin and the baby survived after a boy on an all-terrain vehicle spotted the women in a clearing and told his father, who summoned police to the scene.
“At this point, I’m preparing for trial; however, I’m still pursuing possible plea negotiations,” attorney David DeFazio told The Associated Press on Saturday. While he would not offer specifics, DeFazio said such negotiations would involve Conner’s intentions more than her actions.
Armstrong County District Attorney Scott Andreassi last week withdrew an attempted homicide charge that alleged Conner intended to kill the unborn baby.
Following two court-ordered mental competency evaluations of Conner, DeFazio said last month that he will not present an insanity defense at trial. State law requires defense attorneys to provide notice before trial of a defense of innocent by reason of insanity or guilty but mentally ill.
Oskin’s baby was delivered by emergency Caesarean section at a Pittsburgh hospital after police arrested Conner. The baby was put up for adoption, which had been Oskin’s intention even before the alleged attack, authorities said.