Taped Statement in Baby Killing Proves Guilt: Prosecutors

Authorities say the statement shows Haskell smothered 5-month-old Ryan Baurley while watching him in August 1992. The baby's death was initially attributed to sudden infant death syndrome.

A jury has heard a taped statement by a suburban Philadelphia woman that prosecutors say proves she smothered an infant she was baby-sitting nearly two decades ago.

On the tape played Thursday for a Montgomery County jury, Melissa Haskell says she wouldn't put her hand over the mouth of her own son so he can't breathe, like she did to the child she referred to as "that baby."
 
Authorities say the statement shows Haskell smothered 5-month-old Ryan Baurley while watching him in August 1992. The baby's death was initially attributed to sudden infant death syndrome.
 
The defense says Haskell made the statement recorded by her husband because the estranged couple was in the midst of a bitter custody dispute and she was trying to appease him.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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