BOSTON — A Massachusetts woman accused of beating and strangling her pregnant friend, then cutting the fetus from her womb, is set to face a jury almost five years after the gruesome crime.

Prosecutors say Julie Corey, of Worcester, faked her own pregnancy, then killed Darlene Haynes, who was eight months pregnant. They say Corey stole Haynes’ baby and tried to pass the infant girl off as her daughter.

Corey’s lawyers and prosecutors are expected to make opening statements to the jury Monday in Worcester Superior Court.

Prosecutors say Corey was the last person seen with Haynes. Two days after Haynes’ body was found, Corey and her boyfriend were found in a New Hampshire homeless shelter with a newborn girl. DNA testing showed the girl was Haynes’ child.

Corey has pleaded not guilty to kidnapping and murder charges.


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