NEW YORK – A Bronx woman was convicted Thursday of murdering a pregnant friend and cutting the baby out of her womb.
Prosecutors say Ashleigh Wade, 24, stopped by the home of her childhood friend, Angelikque Sutton, in November 2015 on her way to a civil wedding ceremony.
Wade, who had been pretending to be pregnant, slashed Sutton in the throat and proceeded to cut the baby out of her womb. Sutton was eight months pregnant at the time.
When police arrived, Wade told them she had given birth and the child was hers. The baby ultimately survived.
Wade's attorney, Amy Attias, told jurors that Wade suffered from an undiagnosed mental illness. The attorney asked jurors to consider a resolution that would involve mental health treatment.
During the trial, evidence included graphic testimony and photos of the mutilated pregnant woman. At one point, the judge cleared the courtroom when it appeared a juror had fainted, slumping over in her seat.
After a two-week trial, the jury issued its verdict in less than five hours.
Wade could face 25 years to life in prison, the New York Daily News reported.
The defendant will return to court for sentencing Oct. 20.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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