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Teen Charged With Murdering Newborn Will Not Face Death Penalty

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RALEIGH, N.C. — District Attorney Tom Locke will not seek the death penalty against a teenager charged with murdering her newborn baby.

Sophia Whitley, 19, is charged with murdering her baby boy shortly after giving birth in her parents' home in Erwin.

Police say Whitley wrapped the newborn in a garbage bag and stuffed him into the trunk of her car.

The district attorney will formally announce his decision at her next court appearance Thursday.

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