Lawyer: KOP kidnapping suspect intends to plead insanity

KING OF PRUSSIA, PA (WTXF) - A Chester County woman charged in the kidnapping of a newborn baby inside the King of Prussia Mall, intends to plead insanity in the case.

Cherie Amoore, 32, is accused of taking a seven-week-old baby boy from his mother in the mall's food court, in April. The charges against her include felony kidnapping and unlawful restraint.

Amoore's lawyer, Marc R. Stein, confirmed the insanity defense to FOX 29 Friday morning.

Police say the surveillance video shows Amoore meeting the baby's mother, who had the carriage, in the mall. Authorities say Amoore was wearing a white shirt. She and the mother sit down at the food court. Then, the video reportedly traces Amoore leaving with the baby, from the food court, the stairs, the exit and the parking lot.

Two police officers testified it captured the encounter between the Amoore and the baby's mother. They said the pair talked and Amoore befriended the mother. Then, Amoore moved very quickly to take the baby out.

Steinberg previously said it appears obvious what his client did. Instead, he said, "It's a case of 'Why did she do it?' So that's something that will be determined later."

According to court documents, Amoore told detectives she'd lost a baby back in February. Then, when she held the little boy, all those emotions came flooding back.

Steinberg would neither confirm nor deny Amoore was ever pregnant and the prosecution could not confirm she was ever pregnant.

Amoore is out on bail.