National
Murder charges laid in death of pregnant mother


Authorities in Utah charged four people with first-degree felony murder in the shooting death of a pregnant woman who was a member of the Oglala Sioux Tribe.

Darla M. Woundedhead, 30, was shot in a Salt Lake City motel room on August 18. Authorities say she was killed in a drug deal gone bad.

After the shooting, Woundedhead was taken to a hospital where doctors delivered her baby. "Janie" remains in critical condition, has a severe brain hemorrhage, suffers from seizures, is not responding to pain stimuli and is on life support, according to news reports. The baby tested positive for cocaine, opiates and barbiturates, according to news reports.

The state of Utah has taken custody of the baby. The Oglala Sioux Tribe is seeking to intervene.

Get the Story:
Murder charges filed in pregnant woman's death (The Salt Lake Tribune 8/26)
Arrest made in tribal member's death (AP 8/26)

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Oglala Sioux Tribe seeks role in child welfare case (8/25)