I just don't know where I sit on this...and the picket up my fanny is starting to be quite irritating.
But to be honest, if I were looking at this from a purely legal standpoint, I don't believe there is any evidence other than some guy's statement that there was a murder for hire plot. His claim could easily have been a misinterpretation of what was said, or an outright lie to get some attention from LE, or for some unknown reason to insert himself into the investigation (I just can't ever forget Mark Carr...).
If this is the sole reason behind the RO, the judge pretty much has to not grant it as permanent. The law stands on parental rights, and if there is no valid, legal reason to believe that a MFH plot existed, or was anything more than a rumor, the judge cannot hold the mother and child apart. Just simply cannot. A Solomon's choice to be sure, and I'm glad I don't have to be sitting on the bench making that decision.
I suspect what will happen is a modified RO may be negotiated. For example, 3-6 months' supervised visitation with a mediator picking up the baby and the visitation being in a public, open place), until the divorce gets finalized (and that will be a brutal battle itself). But unless there is compelling evidence (not hearsay) that the baby is in danger, the judge cannot come between a parent and their child.
We have seen, time and again, when a judge returns a child to a situation which we do not agree with. But that's the law, you know? In most cases, it's the law in that state which controls this.
And it's a good thing, too...or, as someone said above, otherwise a whole lot of people would have their rights violated by someone who is pissed off at them, or feeling hurt by them, or just plain bonkers and making an allegation which is not supported by evidence.
Again, this wicked picket up my fanny is uncomfortable, but I suspect if the RO is not modified, it will be dismissed.
Is that the right thing? Yes, under the law. Maybe not, as it pertains to humans and their actions. Totally different things.
Best-
Herding Cats