Anchorage police say a soldier accused of abandoning her newborn to die in park last week had carried the infant to term.
Det. Sgt. Cindi Stanton told reporters Saturday she believes the baby was alive when Spc. Ashley Ard gave birth. But she says autopsy results will determine whether the baby was born healthy. Police believe the baby died in the park.
The 24-year-old soldier was arrested Friday evening after a grand jury indicted her that day. She was charged with second-degree murder.
Police released few new details Saturday.
Police allege Ard, who is married, gave birth at her residence in Eagle River and left the home with the newborn just before 1 a.m. on Oct. 15, leaving the baby under a bush in Turner Park in the Eagle River area.
Stanton said a man walking his dog found the newborn several hours later.
The Portsmouth, Va., woman was held on $250,000 bond with arraignment expected Tuesday. It was not known if she had a lawyer.
