Gavel. Photo by Bill Oxford on Unsplash
LOGAN — A preliminary hearing has been scheduled to determine whether or not prosecutors have sufficient evidence to bind a 35-year-old Logan woman over for trial on charges that she allegedly killed her infant son. Jodi Lee Anderson remains in the Cache County Jail as attorneys also consider whether she is competent to understand the court process.
Anderson appeared for a status and detention hearing Monday afternoon in 1st District Court. She was previously charged with aggravated murder, a capital offense; and obstructing justice, a second-degree felony.
On December 31, 2021, Logan City Police officers were called to a hotel room. Anderson and Zachary Michael Woirhaye, 38, had been residing at the hotel during the last several weeks. A 46-day-old infant boy was found lying on a bed, unresponsive, not breathing and with no heartbeat.
Paramedics transported the baby to Logan Regional Hospital and later to Primary Children’s Hospital. Medical staff said the boy was unhealthy, and showed signs of malnourishment and neglect. He died two weeks later.
Police later interviewed extended family members, who expressed concerns about both Woirhaye and Anderson’s mental capacity. They claimed the suspects had to be continually reminded about feeding the baby enough baby formula.
During Monday’s hearing, Judge Spencer Walsh scheduled the preliminary hearing to take place July 10, when prosecutors will present their evidence in the case. He also ordered Anderson to continue cooperating with doctors, as they conduct a mental health evaluation.
Anderson remains in jail being held without bail. If convicted, she could face up to life in prison, after prosecutors previously announced they will not seek the death penalty.
Woirhaye previously pleaded guilty to one count of child abuse homicide, a second-degree felony. He is currently serving a one year jail sentence.
Individuals arrested and charged in complaints are presumed innocent unless or until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.