
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: FRIDAY, July 8, 1994                   TAG: 9407120057
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: B-2   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

GRAND JURY GETS INFANT DEATH CASE

Murder and child neglect charges have been sent to a grand jury involving a Norfolk State University student accused in the death of her newborn daughter.

Juvenile and Domestic Relations Judge Everett A. Martin Jr. found probable cause Wednesday to certify the charges against Zina Lucas.

Lucas, 19, told police she did not realize she was pregnant and did not see any signs of life when the baby was born in April. The dead infant was found in a trash bin near the woman's dormity.

"She did not believe the baby was alive," said Andrew Sacks, the woman's attorney. "If she disposed of a baby that she believed was not alive, then there is no murder, there is no manslaughter."

Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney Valerie Brown said Lucas had to be held responsible for her actions. "Putting a baby in a trash bag is not conducive to lief," the prosecutor said. "This child had no chance for life."

by CNB