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Judge restricts public access to some evidence in 'Baby Angel' case
The judge said graphic exhibits could prejudice potential jurors but rejected broader secrecy over other evidence.
- On Tuesday, Winona County District Court Judge Nancy L. Buytendorp ruled to restrict public access to autopsy and crime scene photos in the case against Jennifer Baechle, 44, charged in the 2011 'Baby Angel' death.
- Prosecutors filed a motion on April 1, 2026, arguing that pretrial media coverage could "improperly influence public opinion" against Baechle and "jeopardize the parties" right to a fair trial.
- The Post Bulletin filed a letter Tuesday objecting to the restrictions, with Editor Jeff Pieters writing the publication is "unwilling to adopt a 'trust me' attitude" in having government control case materials.
- While Buytendorp restricted graphic photos, she denied the request to seal autopsy reports and medical records, finding the state failed to demonstrate how those exhibits would affect parties' fair trial rights.
- Buytendorp emphasized that jury selection, including voir dire questioning, serves as the primary check against seating biased jurors as the case proceeds without a scheduled next court appearance.
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Judge restricts public access to some evidence in 'Baby Angel' case
WINONA, Minn. — Some potential exhibits in the case against a Winona, Minnesota, woman charged in the death of a newborn infant in 2011 will be restricted from public view, a district court judge ruled Tuesday, April 7, 2026. Prosecutors in the case against Jennifer Baechle, 44, filed a motion on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, in Winona County District Court, asking Judge Nancy L. Buytendorp to restrict public access to evidence in part due to public…
·Cherokee County, United States
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Total News Sources15
Leaning Left0Leaning Right7Center4Last UpdatedBias Distribution64% Right
Bias Distribution
- 64% of the sources lean Right
64% Right
C 36%
R 64%
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