Woman to stand trial after toddler drowns

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OSHKOSH, Wis. (AP) — A 28-year-old Omro woman whose toddler was found drowned in a submerged SUV will stand trial next month on three charges.

Prosecutors say Kayla Westenberger drove her SUV into the water at a boat landing in October with her 8-month-old son buckled in a car seat. His body was found in the vehicle.

According to the criminal complaint, she admitted drinking and smoking marijuana earlier but says she doesn’t know how the vehicle ended up in the water.

The Oshkosh Northwestern says tests showed her blood-alcohol level was 1.5 times the legal limit. Westenberger’s trial has been set for May 16.

The charges of first-degree reckless homicide, homicide by intoxicated use of a motor vehicle and child neglect resulting in death carry a maximum penalty of 143 years in prison.

A message left with her attorney Saturday wasn’t immediately returned.

Information from: Oshkosh Northwestern, http://www.thenorthwestern.com