BELMONT COUNTY, Ohio — A 20-year-old Belmont County woman accused of fatally shooting her 1-year-old daughter pleaded not guilty and not guilty by reason of insanity during her arraignment Friday in Belmont County Common Pleas Court.
Autum Stotelmyer Palmer appeared before Judge Chris Berhalter to face one count of aggravated murder with a firearm specification.
After Palmer told the court she was unable to hire an attorney, Judge Berhalter appointed Belmont County Chief Public Defender Aaron Miller to represent her. Miller entered the pleas on her behalf.
Palmer appeared in court wearing a T-shirt and slacks, a change from her initial court appearance when she wore a suicide prevention vest.
Assistant Prosecutor Joe Vavra argued Palmer should remain jailed, citing the severity of the charge and concerns about the possibility of self-harm.
Judge Berhalter ordered that Palmer continue to be held in the Belmont County Jail without bond. He also ordered a psychological evaluation and scheduled the next court hearing for 10 a.m. on Sept. 8.
Palmer is accused in the July 31 shooting death of her 1-year-old daughter, identified in court records only by the initials A.S. The incident occurred on Buttermilk Road in Belmont County.
The case remains pending in Belmont County Common Pleas Court.
