GAINESVILLE, Ga. (Court TV) — A woman accused of killing a young child found dead in the trunk of her car pleaded not guilty in court on Wednesday as her attorney fights to have the charges dismissed.
Jessica Motes enters court on July 8, 2026. (Court TV)
Jessica Motes, 36, entered not guilty pleas to each of the charges she faces: felony murder, malice murder, aggravated battery and concealing a death. Motes is charged with killing 4-year-old Autumn Fox, who investigators said died from blunt force trauma of unknown means, as well as exposure to fentanyl, methamphetamine and xylazine, a veterinary tranquilizer frequently mixed with other illicit drugs.
Motes appeared in court at her arraignment on Wednesday, dressed in street clothes, including a black T-shirt, rather than her jail uniform, after her attorney had successfully petitioned the court for permission prior to the hearing…