UPDATE: West Melbourne Police Charge Mother With Double Murder of Newborn Twins
By Space Coast Daily // April 18, 2018
POLICE: mother gave birth to otherwise healthy twins then took their lives
BREVARD COUNTY • WEST MELBOURNE, FLORIDA – Rachael Lynn Thomas, 30, has now been charged with two counts of felony murder for the deaths of “Baby John” and “Baby Jane,” according to West Melbourne Police Capt Richard Cordeau.
“The death investigation at 138 Laurel Oak Street has been ongoing since it was reported on Sunday, April 15,” said Capt. Cordeau.
“As originally reported, ‘Baby John Doe’ was transported to Holmes Regional Medical Center where he was pronounced deceased. As a result of the death, investigators returned to the residence where they later found the discarded body of “Baby Jane Doe” in the trash can.”
Capt. Cordeau said t is believed their mother, Rachael Lynn Thomas, gave birth to the otherwise healthy twins then took their lives. Thomas never told first responders about Baby Jane.
“Preliminary autopsy results reveal the manner of death of the twins is a homicide,” said Capt. Cordeau.
“Detectives learned that Baby Jane and Baby John suffered severe blunt force trauma to their heads, not consistent with Thomas’ story of giving birth in a toilet. In addition, the umbilical cord was wrapped around Baby Jane’s throat and a foreign object was lodged in her throat to block her airway.
“After discarding her in the trash can, Thomas threw additional trash on top of Baby Jane in an attempt to conceal her. Both babies are believed to have been carried a full 39-week term.”
Capt. Cordeau said that investigators have worked closely with the Medical Examiner’s Office and the Office of the State Attorney and that detectives have now secured an arrest warrant charging Rachael Lynn Thomas with:
• 1 count premeditated 1st-degree murder (Baby Jane)
• 2 counts felony murder (Baby Jane and Baby John)
• 2 counts aggravated child abuse (Baby Jane and Baby John
Thomas’ two other children, an 8-year-old boy and 1-year-old boy, have been placed by Department-Children & Families with other family members.
Thomas will remain incarcerated in the Brevard County Jail where she is now being held on a no bond status.
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