The two young sisters of an infant who died after her mother cut her arms off will remain in state custody for 45 days as the state continues investigating where the girls should live permanently, a judge ruled Friday.
State Child Protective Services and the father of the girls, ages 6 and 9, reached an agreement to leave the children in custody. John Schlosser, who could have fought the state’s request, appeared at Friday’s hearing but did not speak.
The state filed to terminate custody rights of Schlosser and his wife, Dena Schlosser, 35, who has been charged with capital murder after telling police she cut off the arms of 10-month old Margaret.
John Schlosser also agreed to other standard measures of seeking parental counseling, parenting classes, a psychological evaluation and drug and alcohol testing.
CPS is evaluating Schlosser’s sister, who lives in New York, as a possible guardian. It was unclear Friday whether other family members were under consideration.
Also Friday, the state asked a judge for a gag order in the case to protect the children. CPS officials said news accounts are leading to the girls hearing grisly details of the case from fellow students at school.
John Schlosser’s attorney opposes a gag order, saying he has the right to discuss the case.
Dena Schlosser remained in jail Friday. She told a 911 operator on Nov. 22 that she severed Margaret’s arms. The baby was found in her crib and died shortly afterward in a hospital.
Schlosser, who was treated for postpartum depression during a CPS neglect investigation early this year, was found in her apartment, covered in blood, still holding a knife and listening to a church hymn.