Prosecutors seek harsher sentence in 'Baby Angel' case
Jennifer Nichole Baechle, 43, faces two second-degree manslaughter charges in the death of a baby found floating in the Mississippi River in September 2011. Investigators allege she gave birth to the baby and neglected to provide medical attention.
In a petition filed Wednesday, June 25, in Winona County District Court, Travis Snider of the Winona County Attorney's Office listed factors they say constitute aggravating factors in the crime.
Those include the fact that the baby, estimated to be a few days old when it was found, was particularly vulnerable and that Baechle acted with "particular cruelty." The filing also states Baechle concealed her crime for more than 13 years before DNA evidence allegedly matched the infant to Baechle in 2024. Baechle was taken into custody and charged in the case in April 2025.
The trauma the crime inflicted on the community was also listed in the petition, noting the community held a public service and burial for the infant after the body was found in a bag floating in the Mississippi River south of Winona.
The request could mean that if Baechle is convicted in the case, the sentence would be more harsh than the presumptive sentence for the charges.
Under Minnesota law, second-degree manslaughter carries a presumptive sentence of up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $20,000.
Baechle, who was released on bond in April, is due in court in the case on July 7.
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