(Theresa) The case against a Milwaukee woman accused of placing her deceased baby in a garbage bag which was found in Theresa in 2009 could end in a plea deal. A plea agreement was filed last Friday, the same day Karin Luttinen made her initial appearance in court on a felony charge of Concealing the Death of a Child.
Under the plea, Luttinen would enter a guilty or no contest plea to the charge and her attorney may recommend any sentence. State prosecutors cannot suggest a specific punishment, only recommend that time behind bars is appropriate.
Both parties would also request a Presentence Investigation, which is conducted by Probation and Parole agents. They would interview the defendants friends and families, go over any treatment, education, and employment records, as well as prior convictions. They would then make a recommended sentence to the court.
According to the criminal complaint, Luttinen was home alone when she started given birth. She allegedly filled a bathtub with water and after delivering the child, passed out. The water was off and had reportedly drained by the time Luttinen came to roughly 15 minutes later. The complaint says the baby was face down in the water near the drain.
Luttinen allegedly told investigators that there was no intention of turning on the water so the baby could not breathe, only so she could get comfortable. The complaint adds that Luttinen never saw the child cry or move. She reportedly wrapped the baby in a towel then placed her in a garbage bag and drove (quote) “aimlessly” until reaching a secluded area.
The 45-year-old reportedly said that no one else knew of the birth. An autopsy concluded the infant died prior to, or during birth. Luttinen faces up to one-and-a-half years in prison if convicted.
