Katie Stockton Pleads Guilty in Infant Death

Rockton woman Katie Stockton pleaded guilty today to first degree murder, in exchange for all remaining counts to be dismissed. She now faces 20-60 years in prison.

Last October, Stockton initially pleaded not guilty to all 12 counts of murder she faced. The prosecution requested a natural life sentence for many of those counts.

Over the years Stockton has been in and out of court as lawyers have worked to gather enough evidence in her case, and deal with changing Illinois laws.

The newborn was named "Baby Crystal" by coroner Sue Fiduccia. She was found in 2004 near the home of Stockton's parents in rural Winnebago County. Fiduccia ruled the death a homicide after determining Baby Crystal was born alive. The baby was either killed by suffocation while sealed in two plastic bags and a flannel shirt or hypothermia.

In 2009, the skeletal remains of two more infant girls were found in an impounded car owned by Stockton.

Stockton will not have a trial. She'll be sentenced April 15th.