Mother Of Missing Baby Ruled Competent To Stand Trial In Newborn's 2013 Death

LANSING (WWJ/AP) - A 25-year-old Lansing-area woman whose baby boy is missing and presumed dead has been found competent to stand trial in the 2013 death of her baby daughter.

A psychologist at Michigan's Center for Forensic Psychiatry, however, hasn't given an opinion about 25-year-old Melissa Mitin's mental state at the time she allegedly killed her newborn girl.

An opinion regarding criminal responsibility is expected to be made within three to four weeks.

Mitin's attorney, Frank Reynolds, said at a hearing Thursday in Ingham County Circuit Court that he will rely on his own experts, as well.

Mitin was charged last year in the Dec. 26, 2013, death of her daughter. According to testimony in the case, she concealed the pregnancy, gave birth in a bathroom and put the infant face down in a wastebasket. The umbilical cord and placenta were still attached. Mitin told police that after giving birth, the baby cried but then stopped breathing.

At a previous hearing, Reynolds said he had "serious concerns" about Mitin's psychological well-being, although he declined to elaborate. Mitin in January told a judge that she "could not recall" what happened to a baby boy she apparently delivered in December. The baby has yet to be found.

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