Ky. woman convicted of throwing newborn in trash receives probation

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — A woman convicted of killing her newborn and throwing her in the trash of a department store will not spend one day in prison.

Jessica Price had entered an Alford plea in the 2013 death of her daughter, reports WLKY. An Alford plea means she acknowledges there's enough evidence to convict her, but she does not admit guilt. She was charged with murder, but as part of a plea deal in March, the charge was amended down to second-degree manslaughter.

Prosecutors argued that Price killed her baby after giving birth in the restroom at Kohl's where she worked. Investigators said the baby was born full-term and healthy, and that the death was the result "of an intentional act," reports WDRB. Price told investigators she was sure that the baby was dead at birth, but the medical examiner's findings disputed that.

As part of the plea deal, Price was to spend 10 years in prison, but the judge decided on five years probation, reports WLKY.

The prosecutor argued against probation, showing a photo of the newborn's body to the court.

"I want the court to look at that child because, when we read the facts in this case, I think it's easy to lose sight of what happened here," said Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney Alicia Gomez.

Price's lawyer said there were mental health issues and her client has been getting help.

"As horrible a result as this is, I believe that nothing like this will ever happen again," said Judge Olu Stevens.

Price will only go to prison if she violates the terms of her probation.

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