A Hutchinson woman charged with 2nd degree murder for the death of a 2-month old child was in court Tuesday morning on another matter. Brigit Hippen made a first appearance on charges of aggravated battery and criminal damage to property in front of Magistrate Judge Randy McEwen where the two charges were read to her.

The case goes back to May 29, when she allegedly punched another woman in the face for dancing with her boyfriend, Oscar Perez. The victim in the case, Desire Jenson apparently suffered some broken teeth. Hippen also allegedly caused damage to the victims vehicle.

Perez is also facing a possible trial for aggravated battery for an incident that same night. He’s accused of battering David Boshart during the altercation and recently entered a not guilty plea to the charge in front of Judge Tim Chambers.

In the murder case, Hippen’s accused of being reckless by placing a blow dryer on a counter near the crib her child was sleeping in, this in the bathroom of the apartment she shared with Perez. She said she did over concern for the child being cold. The child allegedly died from hyperthermia when this done back on February 23 of last year. The child was taken to Promise Regional Medical Center and was pronounced dead shortly after.

The state alleges Hippen was reckless with her acts, and showed extreme indifference to the value of human life.

The first trial ended when Judge Trish Rose declared a mistrial when the jury could not render a verdict.

Her brother, 24-year-old Toby Hippen is suspected of being responsible for injuries to a child in a separate case and is also charged with aggravated battery. He was arrested back on July 22. He awaits a possible trial in his case for later this year.