Dead Newborn Found In Well With Drugs In System, Parents Arrested

A couple in Ohio was arrested hours before their infant child was found dead at the bottom of a 30-foot-deep well Wednesday.

Jessica D. Groves, 39, and Daniel A. Groves, 41, faced a range of charges, including abduction and kidnapping, in connection with 4-month-old Dylan Groves’ disappearance and death. Additional charges might be brought against the couple at a later date, the authorities said.

Dylan was placed in the custody of the Scioto County Children Services immediately after his birth as drugs were detected in his system. He was eventually handed over to his father with the latter required to show up for court dates, doctor’s appointments, and be available for house visits. While Daniel initially followed the mandate, he soon began to slack.

After Scioto County Children Services made several attempts to locate the child, the police secured a search warrant and showed up at the couple’s house on June 10. The newborn was missing from the home and authorities had reason to believe Dylan had been dead since March.

During the search, the police also discovered several stolen items from the property including two 4-wheelers, a small off-road vehicle, two stolen trailers, a riding lawnmower, a camper, and other items valued at $42,000. Daniel was served with a warrant for theft and for receiving stolen property.

While Jessica was arrested without incident, Daniel resisted the arrest.

“Daniel Groves barricaded himself inside. As the result the Sheriff’s Office requested the assistance from the Ohio State Highway Patrol Special Response Team which included the aviation unit who also assisted with a six-hour-long standoff which ultimately resulted in the apprehension of Daniel Groves,” the Scioto County Ohio Sheriff's Office said in a press release, posted on its Facebook page.

While the victim’s mother was held on a $100,000 bail, Daniel was held without bond.

An update following the discovery of the remains said: “Captain John W. Murphy stated as a result of this ongoing investigation detectives received information of a possible location of the missing baby. Murphy stated detectives and he responded to a location in Otway, Ohio where they located a well that appeared to be about 30 foot deep. Murphy stated with the assistance of Otway Fire Department they were able to recover the body from the bottom of the well.”

The remains were sent to the Montgomery County Coroner’s Office for an autopsy.

On Thursday, both suspects waived their preliminary hearings, the Epoch Times reported. This meant their cases will be presented to a grand jury to decide on whether there was sufficient probable cause to indict them.

Anyone with any information regarding this case was requested to contact Detective Jodi Conkel at 740-351-1091.