The examination hearing for one of two suspects accused of killing a baby after it was born inside an Abilene home has been rescheduled for Friday.
A Taylor County Judge will review the evidence gathered during the investigation into the murder of Baby Ashley who was killed on January 18, 2016.
The hearing was scheduled to begin at 9:00 a.m. Wednesday morning, according to Abilene lawyer Jacob Blizzard. His client, Damian Cate, 22, could be released from jail if the judge decides there is not enough evidence to proceed to trial. His bond could also be reduced during this hearing.
Cate and the baby’s mother, Amber Craker, 18, are charged with First Degree Murder and Tampering with Physical Evidence. They are being held in a Taylor County Jail on bonds totaling $300,000.
Baby Ashley was killed after sustaining several ‘sharp force injuries’ after she was born, according to the preliminary autopsy report.
Police executed a search warrant on a home on the 400 block of South 25th Street and found her body dumped in a trash can inside.
An arrest report reveals the Craker admitted to police that she caused ‘obvious injury’ to the baby before placing it in the trash can, and Cate’s arrest report says he told police he held the baby while Craker caused the ‘obvious injury’.
Cate’s lawyer claims his client has “disabilities from mental retardation” and “may be influenced to say things that are not accurate.”
Craker and her lawyer have refused to release any statements.
(Information from BigCountryHomepage.com)
