Authorities: Baby Of Woman Charged In Newborn's 2013 Death Now Missing

LANSING (WWJ/AP) - Authorities say a 25-year-old Michigan woman charged with murder in the 2013 death of her baby girl gave birth to a boy last month who is now missing.

Ingham County Assistant Prosecutor Debra Rousseau says Melissa Mitin, of Okemos, on Tuesday told a family court judge that she "could not recall" where the baby boy is. On Wednesday, Rousseau told a Circuit Court judge the remark was "startling."

Circuit Judge Jim Jamo ordered Mitin to be held without bond at the Ingham County Jail. She had been free on $5,000 bond while awaiting trial in the 2013 case.

The judge also order Mitin to undergo a competency exam. Frank Reynolds, Mitin's lawyer, said he has "serious concerns about her psychological well-being."

Reynolds didn't elaborate about his concerns. The review will take place at the state's Center for Forensic Psychiatry. Those tests, to determine if Mitin is competent to stand trial and if she can be held criminally responsible, typically are completed within 60 to 90 days.

Mitin, who had been living with her parents in the Lansing area, was examined at a doctor's office in mid-December, and it was determined she was 35 weeks pregnant, Rousseau said. Doctors reached out after she failed to show for a follow-up appointment, and she reportedly told them she had already given birth. Doctors then notified Child Protective Services of the situation.

An examination Tuesday showed she had given birth about three weeks ago, the Lansing State Journal reported.

Meridian Township police are working to help locate the baby.

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.

Anyone who might have information on the case is urged to contact police at 517-853-4800.

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