Kidnapping in Texas hospital

A 21-year-old woman accused of abducting a newborn from a Texas hospital maternity ward pleaded not guilty.

Photo: Kidnapping in Texas hospital

Kidnapping in Texas hospital

Rayshaun Parson wore shackles as she stood with her attorney and entered the plea in connection with the March 10 abduction of the little girl, Mychael Darthard-Dawodu. A trial date was set for May 7.

Surveillance footage from Covenant Lakeside Hospital showed a woman wearing blue and flower-print hospital scrubs and a gray, puffy jacket with a hood walking out of the hospital around 1:20 a.m. (0620 GMT). She was carrying a large purse as she walked past an unstaffed information desk near the exit.

The baby was found the next day in Clovis, New Mexico, where Parson lived. Parson has been in federal custody since her arrest.

Prosecutors have said Parson scouted security measures at the hospital and also went to another Lubbock maternity ward the day the baby was abducted.

A judge has issued a gag order in the case.