Kentucky woman, 35, charged with homicide after using abortion pills then burying fetus in backyard

A 35-year-old Kentucky woman has been charged with fetal homicide after allegedly using abortion pills and burying the fetus in a Christmas-wrapped lightbulb box in her backyard following a pregnancy from an affair.

Melinda Spencer was arrested Wednesday after visiting a health care clinic in Campton, where she told staff she had taken medication purchased online to end her pregnancy, which is illegal in Kentucky, according to state police, FOX 56 reported.

Authorities said Spencer admitted to taking the pills on Dec. 26 and burying the fetus — described as a “developed male infant” — two days later in a shallow grave at her Flat Mary Road home. A search warrant led police to the remains, which were wrapped in a white rag, placed inside a plastic bag, and stored in the holiday-decorated box, court documents show.

Police reported that Spencer said she ordered the medication after conceiving with a man who was not her boyfriend and that she wanted to “abort the fetus on her own” to prevent him from finding out.

It is unclear how far along the pregnancy was before she took the pills. An autopsy has been scheduled to determine the fetus’s stage of development.

In Kentucky, nearly all abortions are banned. Only doctors may perform an abortion to prevent death or serious injury to the mother. The state law allows no exceptions for rape or incest and also prohibits the distribution of abortion medication.

Spencer faces multiple charges, including first-degree fetal homicide, abuse of a corpse, tampering with physical evidence, and first-degree promoting contraband. The fetal homicide charge carries a potential death penalty, while other convictions could result in life imprisonment.

She is currently being held at Three Forks Regional Jail in Beattyville.

Original Source

About Post Author

Detroit City Limits

See author's posts