Athens, AL – 35-year-old Morgan Thornton has been charged with capital murder in connection with the death of her infant son, Jonah, after allegedly beating him to death on the night of July 31 into August 1. The chilling details were revealed during her preliminary hearing on Thursday, where a Limestone County Sheriff’s Office investigator took the stand.
Chilling Discovery at Thornton’s Home
Investigator Martin Evans testified that he arrived at Thornton’s home in the 15000 block of Estate Drive in Athens, Alabama, around 1:30 a.m. on August 1. He found Thornton standing outside, covered in blood, and immediately proceeded to investigate the scene inside.
In the room where Jonah was sleeping, Evans reportedly saw bloodstains scattered across the area. The investigation took a disturbing turn when Evans was informed by another officer that Thornton’s husband had recounted a strange statement made by his wife.
“She woke him up and told him she had killed a ‘demon,'” the investigator stated, describing the eerie words of Thornton, which were chillingly disconnected from the reality of her son’s death.
Thornton’s Statements and Her Intoxicated State
Deputies found Jonah severely beaten, but still had a pulse when they arrived at the scene. The child was rushed to a nearby hospital, but was pronounced dead shortly thereafter. Thornton allegedly told medics that she had beaten him, but when asked the following morning, her recollection changed.
“I swaddled him and put him to bed at 7 o’clock, and then…” Thornton told authorities, reportedly shaking her head when she tried to recall the events. “Tried to give him CPR… That’s all.”
Authorities later noted that Thornton appeared intoxicated, and two pints of vodka and two empty shooters were found at her home. Limestone County Sheriff’s Office said a blood sample was taken from Thornton, with results pending.
Capital Murder Charge and Possible Death Penalty
Thornton, who remains jailed without bond, is facing capital murder charges for her son’s death. In Alabama, individuals convicted of capital murder may be eligible for the death penalty.
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