The 21-year-old woman charged with murdering her infant waived time for her preliminary hearing and the date was set back to April 15.

Maria Liddell, who is being held on a no-bail hold, will spend another month in El Dorado County Jail as the prosecution and defense continue preparing the case and gather expert witnesses. Liddell is facing one charge of first-degree murder, which could carry a sentence of 25 years to life in state prison.

Liddell was arrested Feb. 13 – five days after the remains of the baby were discovered in the trunk of her Volkswagen Bug by a tow truck driver. She was questioned by police two days after the discovery.

Detective Martin Hewlett said that during questioning Liddell admitted to giving birth to the child in the summer of 1996 in her hometown of Concord, Calif. She then reportedly wrapped the baby in blankets and placed the child in a laundry basket in an attempt to hide it from her parents. Liddell then placed blankets over the infant and placed it in her vehicle, investigators said. Police said that Liddell stated that when she returned to the vehicle, some time later, the baby was dead. She then allegedly placed the baby in the truck of her car where it remained until being discovered by the tow truck driver. Hewlett said Liddell moved to South Lake Tahoe during the winter of 1996.

According to investigators, Liddell made no statements regarding the charges after her arrest. Liddell, who has no prior criminal record, pleaded not guilty at her arraignment on Feb. 18.

Tahoe Daily Tribune E-mail: tribune@tahoe.com

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