Norwalk, Iowa – An Iowa mother and her father have each been sentenced to decades in prison after murdering and discarding her newborn baby along a snowy road, sparking outrage over the senseless death and the ignored options under Iowa’s Safe Haven law.
Sentencing Details
On Monday, Megan K. Staude, 28, and her father Rodney Staude, 67, were sentenced to 50 years behind bars each. Megan pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in July, while Rodney entered a guilty plea to the same charge on Monday.
Prosecutor Douglas Eichholz described the case as harrowing:
“The baby boy was discarded in a ditch like trash. Family members tried to help the expectant mother, but it fell on deaf ears. Megan knew the options that were available to her, including the Safe Haven law, but didn’t take advantage of it. That’s what makes this case senseless.”
The Staudes must serve at least 70% of their sentences, or 35 years, before they are eligible for parole.
Victim Impact Statement
Eichholz read a statement from the boy’s father:
“I hope you get what you deserve. I’m totally and emotionally broken for what you did to our son who was a baby. Who does that to an innocent child? Who does that to a baby?”
Megan’s attorney said she became “lost” after the 2018 death of her mother, lacked support, and accepted responsibility for her actions, while blaming her father for the fatal act.
Timeline of Events
The investigation began on March 8, 2023, when the Norwalk Police Department received a call about a child’s safety. Officers recovered the deceased newborn along Delaware Street in Warren County the following day.
Investigators determined that Megan Staude gave birth in late February 2023, ignored the infant’s cries for two days, and eventually placed the baby in a trash bag. Both she and her father then discarded the newborn in a roadside ditch instead of utilizing the Safe Haven law.
Local reports noted that co-workers raised concerns after noticing Megan was no longer visibly pregnant. At least one neighbor told:
“Honestly, I was pretty appalled. Not really surprised though, just cause the vibe they gave. They were kinda weird.”
The home where Megan delivered the baby was deemed unsafe to occupy by authorities.
Police Response and Investigation
Norwalk Police Chief Greg Staples described the case as emotionally challenging.
“Luckily justice is being served for the baby who didn’t have any say-so in what happened to him. Safe Haven laws exist for a reason. It’s a shame they weren’t used, resulting in the death of a newborn and two people in jail for the most serious crime there is.”
A cadaver dog named Montana from Iowa SAR K9 helped locate the baby under snow, underscoring the swift response by authorities.
Chief Staples emphasized that public awareness could prevent future tragedies:
“If there’s one thing good that comes from this investigation, it’s that someone pregnant out there will see this story and their baby will have a life to live unlike this baby.”
Conclusion
The sentencing of Megan and Rodney Staude highlights the devastating consequences when legal protections like the Safe Haven law are ignored. Authorities urge expectant parents to know their options to prevent such senseless deaths in the future.
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