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Georgia Woman Faces Death Penalty in Child's Murder
6 Mar
Summary
- Woman charged with malice murder, felony murder, and child cruelty.
- Autumn Fox suffered blunt force trauma and exposure to dangerous substances.
- Suspect rejected life sentence without parole, prosecutors seeking death.
Prosecutors in Hall County, Georgia, are pursuing the death penalty against Jessica Motes, 36, for the murder of 4-year-old Autumn Fox. Motes is charged with malice murder, felony murder, aggravated battery, and first-degree cruelty to children.
Motes allegedly killed Autumn between October 25 and October 26, 2025, by inflicting blunt force trauma and exposing her to fentanyl, methamphetamine, and xylazine. The indictment also states Autumn suffered cruel and excessive pain, including a broken arm.
Authorities found Autumn's body in Motes' vehicle after Motes informed her father she had hurt the child and believed she was dead. Autumn had been placed in Motes' care by the state and was not related to her.
During an arraignment on March 2, 2026, Motes rejected a plea deal that offered life in prison without parole. Her attorneys were informed that prosecutors would seek capital punishment if the deal was refused.
Prosecutors filed a notice of intent to pursue the death penalty on March 2, citing the murder occurring during aggravated battery and the depraved nature of the crime.
