BELMONT COUNTY, Ohio — A 20-year-old Belmont County woman accused in the shooting death of her 1-year-old daughter has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity, with a judge ordering a mental evaluation as the case moves forward.
Autum Stotelmeyer Palmer appeared in Belmont County Common Pleas Court Friday for her arraignment before Judge Chris Berhalter.
Palmer was appointed a public defender to represent her in the aggravated murder case. During the hearing, a plea of not guilty by reason of insanity was entered on her behalf.
Judge Berhalter ordered Palmer to undergo a mental evaluation and scheduled a review hearing for Sept. 8 at 10 a.m.
Palmer was arrested following the July 31 death of her 1-year-old daughter. Authorities previously said deputies responded to a residence on Buttermilk Road and found the child dead from a gunshot wound.
Palmer was subsequently charged with aggravated murder and remains held in the Belmont County Jail without bond.
The case remains pending in Belmont County Common Pleas Court.
