4-year-old found dead in trunk had broken arm, exposed to fentanyl, meth, horse tranquilizer, warrant says

Written by: A. Smith

Published November 18, 2025 @ 1:04 PM ET

Update: A Hall County woman now faces multiple felony charges after authorities discovered the body of a 4-year-old girl in the trunk of her car last month, new warrants show.

Jessica Maria Motes, 36, is charged with malice murder, aggravated battery, first-degree cruelty to children, and concealing the death of Autumn Fox, 4. Motes is being held without bond in the Hall County Jail.

At first, Motes was charged only with concealing the death of a child, but prosecutors upgraded the charges this week following additional investigation.

According to the warrants, the child had been exposed to fentanyl, methamphetamine, and xylazine, a veterinary sedative primarily used for horses. The warrants also say Fox had multiple bruises and a broken right arm.

Police have not disclosed the relationship between Motes and the child or why Fox was in her care. An autopsy is expected to determine the official cause and manner of death. Investigators have said additional charges are possible.

HALL COUNTY, Ga. – A Hall County woman has been charged after authorities discovered the body of a 4-year-old girl in the trunk of her car, according to law enforcement and court records.

Jessica Maria Motes, 36, is being held in the Hall County Jail without bond on a charge of concealing the death of another.

According to an arrest warrant, Motes’ father reported seeing her driving in the parking lot at 3839 Mundy Mill Road — the location of a Sam’s Club in Oakwood — around 5 p.m. Sunday. He told investigators that Motes said she had hurt someone and stated, “I think she is dead.” The warrant states that Motes’ father drove her away from the scene, and they later “encountered” law enforcement.

Officers then discovered the child’s body in the trunk of Motes’ car. The investigation later led police to a home on Couch Road in Flowery Branch, which became a second crime scene connected to the case.

Oakwood Police requested assistance from the Hall County Sheriff’s Office and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI). The GBI has taken the lead on the investigation and said it is still gathering evidence before releasing an official statement.

Authorities have not disclosed further details about the circumstances surrounding the child’s death. An autopsy is expected to determine the child’s cause and manner of death, and investigators say additional charges against Motes are possible.