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Couple ordered to stand trial in baby's death in San Diego
By: Associated Press | ∞
SAN DIEGO -- A couple was ordered Thursday to stand trial on charges of killing their 6-month-old son with over-the-counter medications.
Thomas Boettger Sr., 39, and Lorrie Boettger, 38, will be tried for murder and child abuse in the October 2006 death of their son, Thomas Jr., Superior Court Judge Roger Krauel ruled.
The judge ordered each to be held in San Diego County jail in lieu of $1 million bail and scheduled arraignment for Sept. 27.
The couple was extradited in March from Shelton, Wash. The baby died on a family visit to see relatives in San Diego.
Authorities say the infant died of acute intoxication brought on partly by medications including an antihistamine and a sleeping aid.
An investigator testified at a preliminary hearing that the father told him that he administered medications including half-crushed tablets of Unisom, Zantac and Benadryl to treat his sick child.
Defense attorneys argued it was unclear that the drugs caused the baby's death and that there was no evidence that the parents committed a crime.
Prosecutors argued the parents should have known better because Thomas Boettger is an emergency medical technician and Lorrie Boettger was a midwife for many years.
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