UofA student enters plea in baby abuse case

by Associated Press (September 7th, 2010 @ 4:21pm)

TUCSON, Ariz. - A former University of Arizona student accused of trying to kill her newborn after delivering the child in a dormitory shower last year has entered a plea deal in the case.

Pima County prosecutors say Sarah Tatum agreed to plead guilty Tuesday to aggravated assault and child abuse with death or serious injury likely.

Prosecutors say the Scottsdale woman facing anywhere from probation to 15 years in prison when she's sentenced at a future date.

Tatum was a 19-year-old sophomore when she was arrested on suspicion of attempted first-degree murder and child abuse in late February 2009.

University police say they discovered the full-term infant inside a plastic bag at the foot of Tatum's bloody bed after responding to a call from a dorm employee.