Crime & Safety

Suspect In NJ Infant's Death Was Trying To Help Child, Attorney Says: Report

A Bergen woman who was charged in an infant's death last year will remain in custody until her trial despite her age, a report said.

BERGEN COUNTY, NJ — A Bergen woman who was charged in an 11-month-old's death last year will remain in custody until her trial despite her age and medical conditions, according to a report.

Elida Medina-Ramos, 73, of Palisades Park, was charged late last year after an infant girl she had been caring for died of magnesium poisoning.

Medina-Ramos will remain in prison until her trial, a judge ruled Tuesday, despite her attorney's insistence she is too weak to remain locked up.

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Judge Susan Steele said she was concerned Medina-Ramos is a flight risk given her age and the fact her husband lives in Guatemala, NorthJersey.com reported.

Medina-Ramos' lawyer said his client was unaware the child had a severe medical history, and said she was trying to relieve the child's constipation, according to NorthJersey.com.

Find out what's happening in Ridgewood-Glen Rockfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

The child's mother, Enma Medina, was also charged; Medina brought the child over to Medina-Ramos' home because she was unwell, according to NorthJersey.com.

Medina-Ramos faces charges of aggravated manslaughter, unauthorized practice of medicine, and child endangerment. Medina, 38, faces a child endangerment charge.

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