UPPER MARLBORO, Md. -- A woman who abandoned her newborn behind a car repair shop has been sentenced to 13 years in prison, Prince George's County prosecutors said.
Wendy Villatoro, 26, of Takoma Park was sentenced on Tuesday. She pleaded guilty in June to one count of child abuse resulting in death.
The newborn girl was found in a wooded area in Hyattsville on Oct. 12, 2008, wrapped in a plastic bag and pink towel. She was taken to a hospital, where she died.
Prince George's County police conducted a graveside service for the newborn a month after she died.
Prince George's County State's Attorney Glenn Ivey reminded residents that Maryland has a safe haven law which allows newborns to be given to the proper authorities without fear of prosecution.
