by OAKWOOD, GEORGIA — Authorities in Georgia have arrested a woman after the remains of a 4-year-old child were allegedly found in the trunk of her car outside a Walmart Supercenter, in what investigators are calling a deeply disturbing case.
Jessica Maria Motes, 31, was taken into custody on October 26 and charged with concealing the death of another person, according to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI). She is currently being held at the Hall County Jail without bond, jail records show.
Disturbing Discovery in Oakwood Parking Lot
The investigation began after Motes’s father reportedly witnessed her drive into the parking lot of a Sam’s Club and Walmart Supercenter in Oakwood on Sunday. According to an arrest warrant obtained by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution and 11 Alive, she made a shocking admission to her father shortly after parking her Nissan sedan.
“She told her father that she hurt [the child] and said, ‘I think she is dead,’” the warrant states.
Her father immediately drove her out of the parking lot and flagged down law enforcement officers nearby. When police arrived and searched the vehicle, they allegedly found the child’s body inside the trunk. The Nissan was registered to Motes, according to the warrant.
Ongoing Death Investigation
Authorities have not yet released details regarding the child’s identity, relationship to Motes, or cause of death. The GBI confirmed that the discovery of the body is linked to an ongoing death investigation involving the Oakwood Police Department and Hall County authorities.
According to incident reports reviewed by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, a 911 call was made earlier that day reporting that “a mother contacted family members about some type of injury involving her child.”
Investigators have not disclosed whether Motes herself made that call or how it connects to the discovery of the remains.
Investigation Continues
As of Wednesday, Motes had not entered a plea, and it was unclear whether she had legal representation. The Hall County Sheriff’s Office has not commented further, citing the ongoing nature of the investigation.
Officials said autopsy results from the GBI Crime Lab will determine the child’s cause and manner of death.
“This is a heartbreaking and tragic case,” a GBI spokesperson said. “Our agents are working closely with local law enforcement to gather all available evidence.”
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Community Shock and Reaction
The Oakwood community has expressed deep sadness following the discovery, with many residents describing the case as “unimaginable.” Authorities have urged the public to avoid spreading misinformation as the investigation unfolds.
“Our hearts are with this child and the family members affected,” an Oakwood Police spokesperson said. “We will not rest until we understand exactly what happened.”
Updates Expected from GBI
The GBI and Hall County authorities are expected to release more details as forensic testing and interviews progress. No additional arrests have been announced.
Anyone with information related to the case is urged to contact the GBI tip line at 1-800-597-TIPS. For continued updates on developing crime and public safety stories across Georgia, visit race-day-live.com.
