District Attorney Files Formal Murder Charges Against Santa Maria Teen

The 15-year-old Santa Maria teen accused of killing her newborn has been formally charged with murder by the Santa Barbara County District Attorney’s Office.

The DA’s Office filed the case in Juvenile court, and further alleges that the teenage girl personally used a deadly weapon during the commission of the crime.

The announcement was made public on Friday just two days after the teen was arrested.

Detectives arrested the 15-year-old on Wednesday and charged her with the murder after they say an autopsy revealed that the newborn had died as a result of traumatic injuries.

The identity of the 15-year-old has not been released due to her age, and the DA’s Office says it will not release further information at this time citing confidentiality requirements of juvenile court.

The teen is due in court on Monday, February 1st.