Fairfield Mom Charged in Newborn Son’s Death Pleads Not Guilty

A Fairfield woman charged in the death of her newborn son has pleaded not guilty to murder and manslaughter.

Kayla Stewart of Fairfield entered the pleas Tuesday in Somerset County Superior Court. The Morning Sentinel reports that she will be evaluated for mental competency before her next court appearance.

Police arrested the 20-year-old Stewart on Jan. 22 after police found the remains of the baby in the garage she shared with her boyfriend, Nicholas Blood.

Stewart's attorney has argued that Stewart had a miscarriage and panicked. The medical examiner says the full-term baby was born alive and died from asphyxiation or neglect. (AP)