State retains custody of child's sisters

MCKINNEY, Texas, Dec. 3 (UPI) -- A Texas judge Friday ruled the two sisters of a child whose arms were allegedly severed by her mother will remain in state custody for another 45 days.

The children have been in a foster home since their mother, Dena Schlosser, cut off the arms of their 10-month-old sister on Nov. 22 at their Plano home. The child later died at a hospital and Schlosser was indicted Thursday on a capital murder charge.

John Schlosser, the father, is seeking to regain custody of the two surviving girls, ages 6 and 9, but state Child Protective Services is opposing it. Caseworkers believe he could have done more to prevent the mutilation.

In Friday's hearing, the judge ruled the children would remain in state custody for at least another 45 days while caseworkers evaluate the case, WFAA-TV, Dallas, reported.

Howard Shapiro, Schlosser's attorney, said caseworkers will eventually realize his client bears no responsibility for what happened to his youngest daughter.

Dena Schlosser, who had been treated for postpartum depression, told her husband the night before the incident she wanted "to give her child to God," court records say.