Apr 26, 2008 7:19 pm US/Eastern
Man Pleads Not Guilty To Throwing Son Over Bridge
BALTIMORE (WJZ) ―
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Stephen Nelson is accused of throwing his son Turner over a bridge.
CBS
A Baltimore man accused of throwing his child off the Francis Scott Key Bridge into the Patapsco River has pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder and child abuse resulting in death.
Gigi Barnett reports Steven Nelson could face life in prison if convicted.
"I'm still dealing. It's one day at a time," said Natisha Nelson.
Natisha still has hope her son, three-year-old Turner Jordan Nelson, is alive.
"The reality is, it's been two months. The odds of it happening are slim to none. Always I'll have that glimmer of hope," said Natisha.
Back in February, prosecutors charged the child's father, 37-year-old Steven Nelson, with first-degree murder.
They're ready to go to court and a plea hearing Friday was the first step.
"I can't comment specifically with regard to the evidence in any particular homicide case, but the state is prepared to go further with this case," said Margaret Burns, City State's Attorney spokesperson.
With help from sonar equipment, police searched for little Turner with no luck.
Police say Steven dropped Turner into the icy Patapsco River from the Key Bridge. Then he drove home and tried to kill himself by swallowing bottles of household cleaners.
Investigators say Steven was angry over a lengthy custody battle. In court Friday, his attorneys told the judge he's not guilty.
"Mr. Nelson is a very nice, kind and gentle person, and we want this matter fully heard in the appropriate forum," said Angela Shelton, Steven's attorney.
With shackles and handcuffs, guards carefully escorted Steven into Judge John Miller's courtroom in downtown Baltimore.
He sat quietly and listened to his attorneys, but police reports say Steven allegedly told police that demons made him throw Turner into the Patapsco River.
That's something his attorneys plan to address during trial.
"You don't get the full picture, and in the courtroom is where all matters are litigated. Both sides can be heard," said Shelton.
Meanwhile, Turner's mother is ready to hear Nelson's side.
"Everything will come out in court. I'm just waiting for our day in court," said Natisha.
Steven Nelson faces life in prison if he's convicted.
(© MMX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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