parents.
Jessica Groves, 39, and Daniel Groves, 41, of Otway, Ohio, were both convicted in connection with the death of their 11-week-old son, Dylan, with verdicts delivered on what would have been his first birthday.
Dylan was born prematurely on January 10, 2019. Medical testing at birth revealed the presence of multiple substances in his system, leading children’s services to place him in foster care. On January 28, he was returned to Daniel’s custody under the condition that Jessica have limited contact.
A social worker visited the home on March 28 and observed Dylan being held by Jessica. That was the last confirmed sighting of the child.
After missed follow-up appointments raised concerns, authorities went to the home on June 10. During the investigation, Daniel initially directed officers to an incorrect location before ultimately leading them to a nearby overgrown well approximately 100 yards from the residence.
Dylan’s remains were recovered from the well, where they had been concealed within containers secured with multiple materials and weighted down.
A medical examination revealed multiple injuries, including fractures to the arm, leg, and skull, as well as evidence of prior healing injuries. Toxicology testing also detected substances in his system.
During court proceedings, Jessica acknowledged causing the injuries but described them as unintentional, while Daniel stated he believed the child had passed from natural causes.
Jessica was convicted on multiple charges, including aggravated mrder, and sentenced to life without parole plus additional years. Daniel was acquitted of aggravated mrder but convicted on multiple other charges, receiving a sentence of 47 years to life.
The case has raised serious concerns about child protection systems and the importance of early intervention when warning signs are present.
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