Saturday, February 20, 1999
'Baby Hope' goes home to father
Mother awaits hearing on charge of abandonment
BY MICHAEL D. CLARK
The Cincinnati Enquirer
DAYTON — The infant girl who authorities say was abandoned in Franklin by her mother shortly after birth has been released from Children's Medical Center to the custody of her father.
Holly Ann Mackey, who was dubbed “Baby Hope” by those who pulled her from a Franklin trash can in December, was released earlier this week to her father, said Belinda Monnin, spokeswoman for the Dayton medical center.
The father, who lived with the baby girl's mother, Deborah Mackey, but was not married to her, was not available for comment Friday.
The child, born six weeks prematurely, was buried in trash and abandoned Dec. 14.
Police investigators have said Ms. Mackey hid her pregnancy from the father.
The baby suffers from a deadly birth defect — hydrocephaly — that likely will mean a short life of little, if any, consciousness. The infant's condition is not related to her premature birth or her abandonment.
Her mother has been charged with attempted murder. She was released from jail after her family posted $50,000 bond Feb. 3.
Ms. Mackey will have a preliminary hearing Wednesday in Warren County Common Pleas Court.
Ms. Mackey's lawyer, Donald Oda II, said the mother has been examined by a psychologist and he is awaiting the report.
“The critical issue right now is whether the case will proceed on some sort of not guilty due to insanity plea, or some plea arrangement with the prosecutors,” Mr. Oda said.
Butler County Children Services is assisting Holly Ann's father in caring for the infant and providing information and referral to appropriate community services.
The Butler County Cooperative Extension Agency's program also will help the father learn to care for a special-needs child, Children Services officials said.
BERRY DIES SILENTLY
Watching Berry die: Nothing like a movie
Evanston marks Berry's final hour
Outside prison walls, moods clash
Berry's last day
Key dates in Wilford Berry case
Sharonville man is 'Jeopardy!' champion
'Jeopardy!' to hold local tryouts
Tristate cost of living up 2% in '98
$325M Sabin expansion urged
Girl's beating death inspires offers of help, money
Strong-mayor plan closer
'Baby Hope' goes home to father
Chamber confirms: They're great
Hamilton Co. expects no Y2K disruptions
Columbia Twp. trio plead guilty to thefts
Gardeners: You now have a network
Sex offender law gets test
Warrant out for court rebel
Butler won't allow Monroe to annex Liberty Twp. land
Lackluster Lotto goes to smaller base
Lincoln Heights marks Black History Month
Man indicted for trying to kill wife
McConnell likes GOP's chances in 2000
Newport leaders to visit business areas
Pendery outlines Campbell vision
Principal answers charges a 2nd time
School bus drivers strike
Seniors protest graduation delay
State's original suburbs unite
Tenants who lacked heat sue landlord
TRISTATE DIGEST
