Jennifer Matter, a resident of Red Wing, Minnesota, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder on Wednesday, January 25, 2023, for leaving her newborn baby boy to die on the banks of the Mississippi River in 2003. Matter, who was arrested on May 10, 2022, at her home in Belvidere Township outside Red Wing, will be sentenced on April 28, 2023.

The tragic incident occurred on December 7, 2003, when a group of teenagers found the baby boy’s body on the shore of Lake Pepin, a body of water on the Mississippi River. A coroner determined that the baby’s death was a homicide, but the cause of death was undetermined. Matter admitted in her plea agreement that she had left the baby on the beach, walked away, and drove away with no intention of returning.

According to the criminal complaint, Matter stated that she had hoped someone who lived nearby would find the baby alive. However, that was not the case and the baby boy’s death was a tragic loss of life.

In addition to the 2003 case, prosecutors have also linked Matter to a baby girl found dead by the Mississippi River in 1999. However, Matter has not been charged in that case. DNA samples were used to tie both infants to Matter through a genealogy search that led to potential relatives in Goodhue County.

The case has been a long and complex one, with investigations spanning over two decades. However, with Matter’s guilty plea, the family of the baby boy and the community can finally have closure and justice for the tragic death of the innocent child.

It is important to note that there are resources available for individuals who may be struggling with an unplanned pregnancy. Abandoning a child is not only illegal but also dangerous and can lead to tragic consequences. If you or someone you know is in need of support, there are organizations and hotlines available that provide confidential assistance and resources for individuals facing unplanned pregnancies.

In conclusion, the guilty plea of Jennifer Matter for the 2003 death of her newborn baby boy brings a sense of closure to the tragic incident and the community. The case serves as a reminder of the importance of understanding and utilizing the resources available for individuals facing unplanned pregnancies, as abandoning a child is not only illegal but also dangerous. Matter will be sentenced on April 28, 2023 and the case will finally come to a close.