Statements made by Norwalk man charged in baby's death can't be used in daughter's trial, judge says
A Warren County judge has ruled that some evidence cannot be used in a Norwalk woman's murder trial for the death of her infant.
The baby's mother, Megan Staude, and grandfather, Rodney Staude, are both charged with first-degree murder, accused of placing the baby in a trash bag and leaving it in a ditch in February 2022. Documents filed in Megan's case reveal Rodney told a gas station clerk his daughter had a baby, and they were thinking about leaving the child in a ditch.
These statements were made the same day Rodney allegedly put the child in a trash bag. Documents show Rodney returned to the gas station and told the same clerk that they disposed of the baby.
A judge ruled these statements cannot be used unless the state can prove these statements were made during the criminal act of murder.
Megan Staude's trial is set to begin on July 9. Rodney's case is on hold as he undergoes a mental evaluation.