Woman charged in death of her newborn

KAMLOOPS, B.C. – A Kamloops, B.C., woman has been charged with second-degree murder in the death of her newborn son.

Courtney Saul made a brief court appearance Thursday, when a judge ordered an assessment to determine whether she was “disturbed” at the time of her baby’s death.

The Crown alleges Saul, now 23, killed George Saul shortly after he was born on Dec. 15, 2011.

Prosecutor Will Burrows says it’s alleged that the infant was a few hours old when he was killed.

Judge Chris Cleaveley ordered an assessment under a section of the Criminal Code that deals with a female charged with the death of her newborn child.

Saul is not in custody and is scheduled to return to court on Nov. 2.