HICKORY, NC (WBTV) - The woman indicted earlier this week in the death and dismemberment of Zahra Baker was arraigned in criminal superior court Tuesday afternoon.

On Monday, a grand jury indicted Elisa Baker for second-degree murder as the sole suspect in the death of her 10-year-old stepdaughter who was reported missing in October. 

During the arraignment proceeding, Judge Robert Ervin explained the charge against Baker.  She also received Scott Reilly as court-appointed counsel.  Baker's next court date will be April 4.

HICKORY, NC (WBTV & AP) - The Department of Social Services for two counties in North Carolina say they investigated allegations that Zahra Baker was being improperly treated, but decided there just simply wasn't enough evidence of mistreatment.

Officials in Caldwell and Catawba counties said Monday they investigated three reports in the months before the little girl died.

The reports included allegations of improper discipline, improper care and an injurious environment.

Investigators conducted interviews with family members, but closed each case by concluding that there was no evidence of maltreatment or child safety issues.

Zahra Baker's stepmother was charged Monday with second-degree murder in her death.

MORGANTON - The Burke County Board of Education will take part in a School Consolidation Study & Options Work Session presented by Cort Architectural Group, PA. 

The work session is scheduled for Monday, February 21, 2011 at 5:30 PM in the Olive Hill Room at the West Concord Resource Center, 509 West Concord Street, Morganton, North Carolina 28655.