WISCASSET (BDN) -- The Wiscasset woman charged with murder in connection to the death of a four-year-old will be held without bail pending a hearing.
Shawna Gatto, 43, of Wiscasset, made her first court appearance in Wiscasset Superior Court Friday morning, following her arrest on Thursday. Gatto is charged with murder in the death of Kendall Chick.
Justice William Stokes did not take a plea from Gatto during the initial court appearance, since she is charged with a felony. Gatto will continue to be held without bail until a Harnish hearing is held.
A Harnish hearing determines if a person charged with a capital crime should be held without bail pending trial.
Gatto is being represented by attorney Philip Cohen. He requested that a second attorney be added to the defense team. Deputy Attorney General Lisa Marchese is representing the state in the case.
The defense has waived that the Harnish hearing be held within the statutory five court days of the request for a hearing. A date for that hearing has not yet been scheduled.
Justice Stokes said that a status conference will be held by the end of February.
Maine State Police arrested Gatto Thursday evening, following Chick’s death on Dec. 8. The death occurred at Gatto’s home. Chick was living with her grandfather and Gatto, who are engaged, according to Maine State Police spokesman Steve McCausland. Chick had been living with the adults for about two years.
The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner told State Police that Chick died of blunt force trauma to the abdomen, according to McCausland.
A conviction of murder in Maine is punishable by 25 years to life in prison.
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Wiscasset woman accused of killing 4-year-old makes first court appearance
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