Woman accused in baby nabbing pleads not guilty

? The woman accused of slashing a new mother’s throat and kidnapping her baby whispered not guilty to the charges and convulsed in sobs during her arraignment Thursday.

Shannon Torrez, in handcuffs, spoke only in hushed tones before the Franklin County court. Her legs shook as she stood to enter pleas to charges of kidnapping, first-degree assault and two counts of armed criminal action.

Prosecutors say Torrez, 36, abducted then-7-day-old Abigale Lynn Woods on Sept. 15 after slashing the throat of the infant’s mother, 21-year-old Stephenie Ochsenbine. They allege that she tried to pass the newborn off as her own for five days before her sister-in-law became suspicious.

The child was returned to her parents Tuesday, the same day Torrez was arrested.

Torrez remained in jail Thursday. Judge David Hoven denied a request by defense attorney Daniel Briegel to reduce her $1 million bond.

Torrez could face life in prison if convicted of kidnapping.