ST. IGNACE, MI— A former Newberry woman will stand trial for the death of a newborn found in a Mackinac County pit toilet in 1997.
Nancy Gerwatowski, 60, is charged with open murder, involuntary manslaughter, and concealing the death of an individual. In June of 1997, the remains of an infant were found in a toilet at Garnet Lake Campground in Hudson Township. Police investigated, but no leads were developed.
In 2017, Michigan State Police initiated DNA testing with the help of the FBI. Results led to Gerwatowski, who was then living in Pinedale, Wyoming.
She’s accused of giving birth to the baby alone at her Newberry home. The state says the infant died of asphyxiation, but it could have been prevented by medical intervention Gerwatowski didn’t seek. She then allegedly hid the remains at the campground.
Arraignment in Mackinac County Circuit Court has not yet been scheduled.
