Mom, accused of killing baby, out on bail

Family, boyfriend support woman charged in horrific case

By KENNETH JACKSON, SUN MEDIA

Wed, October 10, 2007

Angela Kuehl rests her head on dad Barry's head yesterday as they leave the Ottawa Courthouse with her mom and sister. Kuehl, who is accused of killing her newborn baby last April, was released on $10,000 bail. (Errol McGihon/Sun)

Kanata woman accused of killing her newborn son was released on $10,000 bail yesterday and will face second-degree murder charges with the support of the father who says he still loves her.

Police allege Angela Kuehl, 26, gave birth to a baby boy in April, killed him and put him in the trash. She was arrested on Friday, after a five-month police investigation.

"Angie is a wonderful, loving, caring, nurturing person and I love her," said her boyfriend Gelu Gheorghe, standing behind her at the Elgin St. courthouse yesterday.

"I support her. We all support her in this dark time for our family," he said.

A judge granted Kuehl bail after an emotional court appearance

.

Kuehl's parents and sister, along with Gheorghe and his parents and brother were in attendance.

They cried and held hands as lawyers discussed the evidence against a tearful Kuehl, who sat in the prisoner's box.

A publication ban has been placed on what was said in court.

Her father spoke to media shortly before her release asking for privacy and decency.

'HARD ON US'

"I'd love to sit down and (tell our story) but our lawyer advised us not to. We've been through pure hell," said Barry Kuehl. "It's been hard on us."

With her release, Kuehl immediately began hugging members of her family, including her father, who broke down in tears.

Kuehl had been detained throughout the long weekend.

She then walked out of the courthouse holding the hands of her father and sister. At times, she rested her head on her father's shoulder.

Her bail comes with many conditions, including that she not communicate with Gheorghe, who upon hearing the condition in court turned his head aside and appeared to be upset.

REPORT TO ROH

Kuehl is required to be in her parents' custody at all times, hand over her passport to police and check in with them every Saturday.

She also has to report to the Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre within 24 hours of her release, as directed by psychiatrists, along with notifying the CAS if she becomes pregnant before her case comes to court.

Police said Kuehl went to hospital on April 30 suffering complications related to the birth.

Hospital staff notified the coroner, who called police. Police later intercepted a garbage truck and found a baby's body inside.

Police sources said her boyfriend, with whom she lived, didn't know Kuehl was pregnant and he has not been charged.

Kuehl's next court appearance is Oct. 23.

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