By Michael Kiefer
The Arizona Republic
PHOENIX — After nearly 24 years in custody, a woman who allegedly lured her 4-year-old son to his death in the desert by telling him he would see Santa Claus will step back into the real world, probably Friday, until the murder charge against her is settled one way or another.
But the prosecution has hurdles to overcome before taking Debra Milke back to trial. A judge must decide whether a contested confession can be admitted into evidence. And the Phoenix detective who allegedly obtained the confession has to agree to testify.
Maricopa County Superior Court Judge Rosa Mroz ruled Thursday that Milke, 49, can be released on a secured bond of $250,000, pending her retrial.
Full story: Ariz. woman set for release after 2 decades in prison