Hamilton mother to claim insanity in case of daughter's death

A Hamilton mother accused of smothering her infant daughter while under the influence of drugs will next appear in court next month to determine if she’s competent to stand trial.

Saralin Walden appeared at a hearing in Butler County Common Pleas Court this morning.

Butler County Common Pleas Court Judge Charles Pater set the June 18 court hearing that will follow a competency evaluation.

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Walden’s attorney, Ramona Daniels, said she plans to file that motion, as well as a motion claiming Walden is not guilty by reason of insanity, by the end of the week.

Walden is accused of rolling over on Rae'Anna while asleep on Oct. 23, smothering her. The infant was pronounced dead five days later at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, according to prosecutors.

Prosecutors claim Walden was using “illegal substances either at the time of or within close proximity to the time of her caring for her child, and passed out and/or fell asleep on top of the infant suffocating the infant," according to court documents filed last month.

About the Author

Michael D. Pitman

Michael D. Pitman has been a reporter in southwest Ohio since 1999. He's covered local governments in Warren and Butler counties, as well as state and national issues. He currently covers the cities of Fairfield and Hamilton.