On May 7, there will be a change of plea arraignment hearing for Patience Frazier, followed by a sentencing hearing for the category B felony charge of manslaughter.
Frazier, now 26 years old, previously pleaded not guilty to a charge of manslaughter and concealing a birth after the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Department found a deceased infant she allegedly gave birth to buried at her residence on April 26, 2018. The infant was determined to have developed between 28-32 weeks in the gestation period, according to an HCSO report.
After Frazier changed her plea to no contest in the felony charge, the prosecuting district attorney stated the intent to dismiss the misdemeanor concealing birth charge.
At the most recent sentencing hearing on April 23, there was a joint motion filed to continue the matter, and counsel informed the court that Frazier would be withdrawing the no contest plea and instead, plead guilty to the charge of manslaughter.
Potential penalties for the manslaughter charge include 1-10 years in prison with a maximum $10,000 fine and eligibility for probation.
The arraignment hearing will be held on Tuesday, May 7 during a 9:30 stacked law and motion calendar in Sixth Judicial District Court, with the sentencing hearing to immediately follow the change of plea arraignment hearing.
