Custody Hearing Set for Kidnapped Baby Cut From Womb
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Several people reportedly seeking custody of a Massachusetts baby cut from her murdered mother's womb are headed to court to state their case.
A hearing is scheduled in Worcester Juvenile Court on Monday to determine who should take care of the 4-pound baby girl.
Her mother, 23-year-old Darlene Haynes, was found dead in her Worcester apartment last Monday.
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PHOTOS: Baby Cut From Murdered Mom's Womb
The baby was found two days later with 35-year-old Julie Corey at a New Hampshire homeless shelter. Corey is being held on $2 million bond on kidnapping charges.
Roberto Rodriguez, Haynes' estranged boyfriend, told The Associated Press outside court Monday that he wants custody of the baby and of an 18-month-old girl he had with Haynes.
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"I just want my two girls. That's all I want," Rodriguez said.
Rodriguez, 24, declined to say who else may be seeking custody of the infant.
But, Joanne Haynes, Darlene's grandmother who raised her because her mother was reportedly abusive, has custody of two of Darlene's kids, the Boston Herald reported.
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She shares custody of a third child with Rodriguez — the father of Darlene's daughter, Kristine, and the baby girl, according to the newspaper.
Worcester District Attorney Joseph Early Jr. says the baby is in good health and is in the custody of Massachusetts child welfare officials.
A spokesman for prosecutors said DNA tests are being done to establish paternity.
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The hearing is to be closed to the media.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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