Thursday, December 24, 2009

Grandview murder suspect says victim was pregnant with his child

YAKIMA, Wash. — Authorities say the Grandview teenager accused of killing a 16-year-old girl Sunday told police the girl was pregnant with his unborn child.

Until now, few details have been released about the relationship between Heriberto Saucedo, 17, and Chelsie Stoneking, both of Grandview.
But a Grandview police report released today by prosecutors states that Saucedo said “that he was aware that (Stoneking) was pregnant with his unborn child.”

Yakima County Coroner Jack Hawkins said an autopsy of Stoneking did not find a viable fetus. But her blood work will be tested for signs of an early pregnancy.

Stoneking’s relatives — who have deferred questions to her mother — have said the pair had lived together in the past but were only friends. Stoneking’s mother could not be reached for comment on Thursday.

Saucedo has been charged as an adult with first-degree murder and was arraigned today in Yakima County Superior Court. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of life in prison.

His relatives have also declined to comment. Authorities in Grandview who are investigating the case could not be reached for comment Thursday.
Stoneking was discovered dead early Sunday morning at her home in the 200 block of Pleasant Avenue. An autopsy Tuesday determined that she was suffocated, stabbed and beaten to death.

According to court records, Grandview police accuse Saucedo of raping, choking and stabbing her.

Hawkins said the autopsy did not reveal any evidence of rape.

During his arraignment, Saucedo asked the judge when he could speak with a lawyer. He said he didn’t know if his parents could afford to hire a lawyer or if he would use a public defender.

Stoneking was the mother of a 7-month-old son, who will now be taken care of by her mother. Herald-Republic birth records don’t list a father.

She was a sophomore at Grandview's Compass High School, an alternative program for students who work or have children.

Saucedo’s next court appearance is scheduled for Jan. 21, with trial tentatively set for Feb. 1.

He remains at Yakima County Jail, with bail at $1 million.

Melissa Sánchez can be reached at 509-577-7675 or msanchez@yakimaherald.com.

http://www.yakima-herald.com/stories/2009/12/24/teen-homicide-suspect-says-girl-was-pregnant-with-his-child

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