RIVERHEAD, N.Y. (1010 WINS) -- A Long Island woman pleaded not guilty Monday to allegations she murdered her newborn girl over 30 years ago and disposed of her body on a country road.
Denise Merker, 56, of Riverhead, allegedly put paper towels in the crying girl’s mouth and throat, suffocating her back in September 1993.
The remains of the baby were found in a garbage bag at the intersection of State Route 25 and Wading River Manor Road in Calverton.
The Suffolk County D.A. said the office used genetic genealogy to link the child to Merker.
Merker started shaking during her arraignment in court on Monday. She pleaded not guilty to second-degree murder.
“The allegations are emotional,” said her attorney, Danielle Coysh, adding her client is presumed innocent and entitled to a defense.