http://www.charlotteobserver.com/latest-news/article54009775.html
Authorities in Anderson County say a 23-year-old woman faces a murder charge in the death of her newborn, whose body was found in a field.
The Anderson County Sheriff's Office says in a news release Sunday that Joanie Faith Holcombe is charged with murder and unauthorized removal of a dead body. She's being held at the Anderson County Detention Center.
The sheriff's office says her bond hearing has been delayed until Tuesday due to health reasons.
It wasn't clear Sunday if Holcombe has an attorney. A spokeswoman for the sheriff's office said she didn't know, and there was no answer and no voice mail at a phone number attached to the address listed on warrants.
The warrants say the newborn was left in the field between Dec. 13, 2015, and Saturday, when a man discovered the body. The warrants say Holcombe said she gave birth and placed the child in a plastic bag, causing her to asphyxiate.
Chief Deputy Coroner Charlie Boseman has said the placenta and umbilical cord were still attached, indicating the baby was full-term.
Sheriff John Skipper Jr. says South Carolina's safe haven law is meant to prevent such deaths. Under the law, a person can leave their baby, up to 30 days old, with an attendant at any hospital, emergency medical services provider, law enforcement agency, fire station or worship center.
"I don't know this young mother's exact situation, but I do know others who find themselves with an unwanted newborn have viable options," he said.
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