Mother left new-born baby to die in shop's toilet

A 27-year-old woman was today convicted of murder and sentenced to life in prison for leaving her new-born daughter in a Wal-Mart toilet in the United States last year.

Amy Shorter covered her face after the verdict was read out and several relatives cried as they left the courtroom. They declined to comment.

The jury in Macon, Georgia, found Shorter guilty of felony murder for causing the baby’s death while committing first-degree cruelty to children.

Defence lawyer Elizabeth Lane had argued that Shorter did not intend to kill her child. Lane said Shorter did not know she was pregnant and panicked after giving birth in the Macon store restroom last August .

She left the baby there on impulse, Lane said.

The 8-lb infant died five days later at a hospital.

“I’ve seen you express remorse. I don’t know what was in your mind that day,” said Superior Court Judge Byron Smith.