Abby Woods
Suspected Baby Snatcher Pleads Not Guilty
Shannon Torrez is facing big charges for allegedly abducting newborn baby girl Abby Woods. Cops say Torrez went to extreme measures to get her hands on baby Abby, but in a shocking courtroom confession, Torrez told the judge she's not guilty.
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Last updated September 19, 2006
Recovered;
Sep 19, 2006
Abducted Newborn Found Alive And Well
The horrific abduction of newborn baby Abby Woods has a happy ending. With help from a tipster, cops recovered the baby Tuesday, September 19, and say the infant is now back in her mother's arms. Police have also arrested a woman they believe is responsible for Abby's abduction.
Police say the suspect is a woman named Shannon Torrez --
also known as Shannon Beck -- who only lived a few miles away from Abby's home. Cops say that on the same day Abby was abducted, Torrez had faced her own family tragedy -- she suffered a miscarriage. Investigators believe she may have snatched Abby to cover-up her own loss.
Abby's Special Clue
Throughout the investigation, police released several clues. But cops say nothing played a more prominent role in Abby's recovery than the birthmark on her head.
Cops say Torrez's sister-in-law spotted makeup on Abby's forehead and became suspicous. That's because detectives say the tipster remembered that a baby who had been abducted recently, had been described as having a birthmark on her forehead.
The tipster confronted Torrez. It wasn't long before the story started to unravel and Torrez's husband asked the tipster to contact the police.
By Tuesday evening, Abby was in Police custody. She is now back at home, safe and sound, with her family.
Cops say Torrez is now facing kidnapping and assault charges. On September 22, 2006, Torrez had her first court date. Courtroom observers say Torrez was so shaken up, she could barely mouth the words, "not guilty." She's being held on a $1 million bond.