This browser does not support the Video element.
Woman accused of suffocating newborn back in court
FOX 13's Kylie Jones reports on Brianna Moore, a University of Tampa student accused of killing her newborn baby, appearing in a Hillsborough County courtroom on Thursday morning.
TAMPA, Fla. - A former University of Tampa student accused of killing her newborn baby was in court in Hillsborough County on Thursday morning.
Police say Brianna Moore, 19, suffocated her newborn after giving birth to a baby in a University of Tampa dorm bathroom in April.
Moore was arrested in October, months after investigators say she gave birth to the baby and left it to die in a trash can.
Court documents say after Moore gave birth, she wrapped the baby in a towel and put her in a garbage can.
Prosecutors previously said roommates and suitemates eventually heard cries, discovered the scene and called the police.
READ: Man, woman arrested for squatting in Florida home after neighbor becomes suspicious: SCSO
An autopsy found the baby died by suffocation and had broken ribs.
Moore appeared in court for a hearing on Thursday, where her attorney asked for a continuance on her case.
Brianna Moore appeared in a Hillsborough County courtroom on Thursday where a judge set a new trial date.
"We have not had the occasion to prosecute a case like this in a while, but when the opportunity came for us to investigate this case, we followed the law," State Attorney Suzy Lopez, of the 13th Judicial Circuit said.
During a previous court hearing, detectives said Moore admitted she might have been in denial of being pregnant.
A judge previously said the details of this case are enough to disturb anyone.
"It’s absolutely heartbreaking and she made a choice, so she’s going to have to face consequences for making the choice that she did," Lopez said.
During a previous court hearing, detectives said Moore admitted she might have been in denial of being pregnant.
Moore’s attorney previously argued that she’s been cooperative with detectives and that there’s no evidence that deemed her a flight risk.
On Thursday, a judge set a new trial date for Moore in July.
"We, of course, in making our filing decision, did our due diligence," Lopez said. "We wanted to make sure that we chose the right charge, and we did. We have not had anything like this in quite a long time."
The State Attorney’s Office says Moore is facing several charges, including aggravated manslaughter.
A judge previously granted Moore a $262,500 bond.
STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 13 TAMPA:
- Download the FOX Local app for your smart TV
- Download FOX Local mobile app: Apple | Android
- Download the FOX 13 News app for breaking news alerts, latest headlines
- Download the SkyTower Radar app
- Sign up for FOX 13’s daily newsletter