Fayette Man Rejects Deal In Baby Dumped In Creek Case

A Fayette County man has changed his mind about pleading guilty to dumping a newborn infant in a creek that prosecutors said he mistakenly believed he fathered with his sister-in-law who was then 16.

Instead, Warren Bircher, 34, has been granted the preliminary hearing he waived in April in the death of the baby in June 2000. The hearing will determine if there's enough evidence for Bircher to stand trial.

Bircher's attorney and Fayette County prosecutors said in April that Bircher agreed to plead guilty to third-degree murder and face 20 to 40 years in prison.

But Bircher now wants to fight the charges.

The child's mother, Sarah Hawk, 25, of North Union Township, has agreed to a similar deal, which requires her to testify against Bircher.