Stepmom’s statements in Franklin scalding death to stay in at trial

A Warren County judge has denied a Franklin's stepmother's motion to have statements she made to police following the scalding death of 4-year-old Austin Cooper thrown out at trial.

Attorneys for Anna Ritchie, who is charged with murder, involuntary manslaughter, two counts of child endangering and felonious assault for the death of her stepson, argued her constitutional rights were violated when she was questioned by police without having her Miranda Rights read.

Common Pleas Judge Robert Peeler has ruled there was no violation and her statements made during a video-taped interview on March 16 with Franklin police can be used as evidence.

During the hearing on June 21, Peeler watched a nearly two-hour video of police questioning Ritchie just hours after the boy was found dead in his bed.

Ritchie made several incriminating statements to Detectives Steve Figliola and Jeff Stewart before and after she was read her Miranda Rights, which occurred nearly 30 minutes into the questioning by police.

MORE: What Anna Ritchie said to police

Ritchie is being housed in the Warren County Jail on $1 million bond. Her trial is set for Sept. 26.

Robert Ritchie, 31, is facing charges of involuntary manslaughter and felony child endangering for allegedly failing to obtain medical treatment for his son.

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