Mother in C-section case pleads guilty to child endangerment

SALT LAKE CITY — Melissa Ann Rowland, the woman accused of murdering one of her twins by failing to undergo a timely Caesarean section, pleaded guilty Wednesday to lesser counts of child endangerment. The murder charge was dismissed.

Prosecutors had charged Rowland, 28, in March with one felony count of murder for exhibiting "depraved indifference to human life" by ignoring repeated doctors' warnings to have a C-section to save the lives of her babies.

But on Wednesday, Rowland pleaded guilty to two third-degree felony counts of child endangerment and admitted using cocaine in the weeks before she finally underwent the C-section that produced a stillborn boy. The second child, a girl who survived and has been adopted, was found with cocaine and alcohol in her system.

"The reason for the reduction is based on information the state has received ... concerning her mental health history. We believe these pleas are in the interest of justice," said Salt Lake County prosecutor Langdon Fisher.

Rowland was sent back to jail after the hearing, during which she made only "yes" or "no" answers to routine questions from the judge. Rowland showed little emotion during the hearing but appeared disappointed when the judge denied a request to release her from custody until sentencing.

After the hearing, her lawyer, Michael Sikora, appeared satisfied with the outcome.

"All of her options were presented to Miss Rowland. She decided it was in her best interest to resolve the case as soon as possible, and I support her in the decision she made," he said outside the courtroom.

Under the plea agreement, prosecutors will recommend that Rowland receive concurrent terms of zero to five years in prison, probation and admission to a drug treatment program.

Sentencing was set for April 29.