S. Deschutes County woman, parents plead not guilty in attempted murder, child abuse case; trial expected next spring

(Update: Adding video, Session, parents enter pleas; Session taught in Bend, has active license)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- A south Deschutes County woman accused of attempted murder and her parents entered not guilty pleas Monday in a high-profile child abuse case.

Sarah Session was arrested in February and accused of abusing and attempting to kill her 9-year-old stepson. Her parents, Gary and Paula Hardenburg, were also arrested and accused of helping facilitate the abuse and covering up evidence.

All three were indicted and taken into custody on February 21 at two separate locations in Coos Bay. Disturbing details soon came to light of the alleged crimes.

Attorneys for the three defendants jointly entered not guilty pleas during a brief hearing Monday morning before Circuit Judge Beth Bagley.

Specific trial dates were not set, but the judge provided dates she's not available next spring, so attorneys can see when witnesses will be available to testify. Pre-trial motions and responses are due in September.

Session faces nearly two-dozen charges, including second-degree attempted murder and numerous counts of assault and criminal mistreatment.

Gary Hardenburg is charged with first- and second-degree criminal mistreatment and tampering with evidence, while Paula Hardenburg is accused of second-degree assault, first- and second-degree counts of criminal mistreatment and tampering with evidence.

KTVZ News also confirmed Monday that Session was employed by Bend-La Pine Schools for one year, the 2020-21 school year, as a special education teacher at Ponderosa Elementary School. State records confirm she still has an active teaching license.