The preliminary hearing for Jessica Mae Betts, the 20-year-old Turlock woman accused of killing her newborn baby and leaving it in a Dumpster behind a grocery store, was postponed because of a medical condition.
A report from the medical facility at the county jail confirmed Betts was treated for an ear infection Monday, the day before her preliminary hearing was set to start.
Because the ear infection may have temporarily affected her hearing and may have compromised her ability to aid in her defense, the prosecution and the defense agreed to the postponement.
The new preliminary hearing was scheduled for 9:30 a.m. on Dec. 28 in Department 7 at the Stanislaus County courthouse.
To contact Sabra Stafford, e-mail sstafford@turlockjournal.com or call 634-9141 ext. 2002.