Oakwood, GA – A 36-year-old Georgia woman has been arrested after police discovered the body of a 4-year-old girl in the trunk of her car parked outside a Sam’s Club in Oakwood. The suspect, Jessica Maria Motes, allegedly confessed to her father that she had “hurt” the child and believed she was dead before authorities found the remains.
The Incident: Disturbing Discovery in Sam’s Club Parking Lot
According to the Oakwood Police Department, the incident unfolded around 5 p.m. Sunday when Motes’ father noticed her driving a Nissan sedan into the parking lot of the Sam’s Club located on the 3000 block of Mundy Mill Road, about 45 miles northeast of Atlanta.
When he approached her, Motes allegedly made a series of incriminating statements, admitting that she had “hurt” the child and saying, “I think she is dead.”
Authorities said Motes’ father then drove her away from the parking lot and later contacted law enforcement. Officers arrived at the Sam’s Club shortly afterward and made a gruesome discovery—the remains of a 4-year-old girl hidden inside the trunk of the Nissan sedan registered to Motes.
Investigation and Evidence Collected
Police immediately secured the scene and began investigating the circumstances surrounding the child’s death. The Oakwood Police Department was the first agency to respond, but they quickly requested assistance from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) and the Hall County Sheriff’s Office due to the nature of the case.
According to the probable cause affidavit, Motes’ father provided detailed information about his daughter’s statements and the events leading up to the discovery. Investigators have not yet disclosed how the child died or when the incident occurred.
Authorities have also not confirmed the relationship between Motes and the 4-year-old victim, whose identity has not been released pending family notification.
The vehicle was impounded for forensic examination, and GBI crime scene technicians are assisting with the collection of physical evidence.
Arrest and Charges Filed
Jessica Maria Motes was taken into custody late Sunday evening and booked into the Hall County Jail on one count of concealing the death of a child. She is currently being held without bond, according to jail records.
Investigators are expected to file additional charges as the case progresses, pending the results of the autopsy and forensic testing.
Officials said it was not immediately clear when Motes would appear in court for her initial hearing.
The Hall County District Attorney’s Office is reviewing the case and working with the GBI to determine whether further criminal charges, including homicide, will be pursued.
Statements from Authorities and Public Response
While the investigation is ongoing, both the Oakwood Police Department and GBI have confirmed that they are working collaboratively to uncover the timeline of events leading to the child’s death.
A spokesperson for the Oakwood Police Department called the discovery “heartbreaking and deeply disturbing,” emphasizing that every effort is being made to piece together the facts and determine how the child ended up in the trunk.
“We are treating this as a very serious crime involving the loss of a young child’s life,” said a law enforcement source familiar with the investigation. “The community can be assured that all agencies involved are committed to finding out the truth.”
The GBI and Hall County Sheriff’s Office have not yet released further details, citing the sensitive nature of the ongoing investigation.
Background Context: Child Death Cases and Legal Implications in Georgia
Under Georgia law, concealing the death of another person is a felony offense, punishable by up to 10 years in prison. If prosecutors determine that the child’s death was intentional, Motes could face murder or manslaughter charges, which carry far more severe penalties.
The case adds to a troubling trend of child abuse and neglect cases in the state. In recent years, Georgia authorities have increased coordination between local police and child protection agencies to respond swiftly to potential threats against children.
Ongoing Developments and Next Steps
The GBI Medical Examiner’s Office is expected to conduct an autopsy to determine the cause and manner of death. Investigators are also reviewing surveillance footage from the Sam’s Club parking lot and surrounding businesses to establish when Motes arrived and whether anyone else may have been involved.
Authorities said more details will be released after the autopsy and forensic analysis are completed. In the meantime, Motes remains in custody, and the community is awaiting answers about what led to the tragic death of the 4-year-old girl.
Conclusion
The discovery of a young child’s body in the trunk of a car has shaken the Oakwood community and raised painful questions about how such a tragedy could occur. As investigators continue their work, officials have urged the public to remain patient as they pursue justice for the young victim.
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