Authorities in Hall County, Georgia, have arrested a woman after the remains of a 4-year-old girl were discovered in the trunk of her car, according to a recently released warrant.
The suspect, identified as Jessica Motes, was taken into custody after a disturbing encounter with her father on Sunday. The warrant states that Motes’ father saw her driving into a shopping center parking lot in Oakwood, where she allegedly told him she had “hurt [redacted name]” and “I think she is dead.”
Following the alarming confession, Motes’ father reportedly drove her away from the parking lot before coming into contact with law enforcement. During that interaction, officers discovered the remains of the young girl inside the trunk of Motes’ vehicle.
Atlanta’s NBC affiliate WXIA reported that Motes is currently facing a single charge of felony concealing death. Authorities have not yet clarified what relationship, if any, Motes had with the deceased child.
The incident appears to be linked to a separate death investigation reported Sunday in Hall County involving the Oakwood Police Department. According to the Hall County Sheriff’s Office, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) was called in to assist local authorities with the case.
While investigators continue to piece together what led to the tragic discovery, details remain limited. The GBI has yet to release further information regarding the cause of death or how long the child’s remains had been in the vehicle.
Local residents have expressed shock and disbelief over the news, as law enforcement works to determine both the motive and the circumstances surrounding the child’s death.
Officials say the investigation is still in its early stages, and additional charges may be filed pending the results of forensic and autopsy reports.
11Alive, which first reported the story, said it has reached out to the GBI for more details, but no updates have been provided at this time.
The Hall County community continues to await answers in a case that has left even seasoned investigators stunned by its disturbing details.
