July 20, 2010
Orange County District Attorney's Office
FULLERTON - A mother faces trial tomorrow for attempting to murder her new baby girl by leaving her in an apartment complex dumpster. Shawn Kelli Sepulveda, 40, Laguna Niguel, is charged with one felony count of attempted murder and one felony count of child abuse. If convicted, she faces a maximum sentence of life in state prison. Opening statements are expected to begin tomorrow, Wednesday, July 21, 2010, in Department N-10, North Justice Center, Fullerton. The time is to be determined.
On Aug. 16, 2008, Sepulveda is accused of giving birth to a baby girl, Jane Doe, in her Laguna Niguel apartment. The defendant is accused of trying to hide her pregnancy from her husband and two pre-teen children because her husband was not the father of the new baby.
At approximately 7:00 a.m., Sepulveda is accused of taking Jane Doe and abandoning her in a dumpster in the apartment complex. The baby was only a few hours old. The defendant is accused of failing to care for her baby's health and well being and leaving Jane Doe to die.
That morning, Sepulveda's daughter discovered the baby in the dumpster and alerted apartment staff, who removed Jane Doe and called 911. The victim was transported to the hospital and taken into protective custody.
Deputy District Attorney Cyril Yu of the Family Protection Unit is prosecuting this case
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