ORLANDO, Fla. — The case against the mother accused of abandoning her newborn girl, who police have called Baby Willow, is moving forward.
Prosecutors filed formal charges against Susan Richardson for child neglect and desertion.
Richardson said she dropped the child off in front of a random apartment and didn't wait until anyone answered.
WFTV legal analyst Bill Sheaffer said that state could cause serious problems for the defense if her case goes to trial.
"She may have provided the most damning evidence against herself," Sheaffer said.
Evidence of child birth in the parking lot of the Willow Bend Apartments prompted a massive search for the baby girl almost a month ago.
If the baby is not found, pursuing more serious charges, like murder, would be impossible, according to officials. Police have searched dumpsters, sewers and a drained pond, but have come up with nothing.
Police said Richardson hasn't been cooperating with help to find the baby.
Sheaffer said the defense will have to play up reasonable doubt and argue that there's no proof something bad happened to Baby Willow.
Cox Media Group
