Mo. woman enters Alford plea in kidnapping case

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UNION, Mo. (AP) - A Missouri woman accused of slashing a young mother's throat, kidnapping her newborn and passing off the child as her own for five days has reached a plea deal with prosecutors.

Shannon Torrez, of Lonedell, Mo., appeared in court on Friday and entered an Alford plea. Under the arrangement, she does not admit guilt but concedes there is sufficient evidence for a guilty verdict.

Seven-day-old Abby Woods was kidnapped on Sept. 15, 2006. Authorities said Abby's mother allowed Torrez into the family home.

Once inside, authorities said Torrez first held Stephenie Ochsenbine (OH'-shun-byn) at gunpoint then slashed her throat before leaving with the baby. The woman survived the attack.

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