Oakwood, GA — Authorities in Hall County have identified the 4-year-old girl found dead in the trunk of a woman’s car last weekend. The child has been confirmed as Autumn Fox, and Jessica Motes, the woman connected to the vehicle, has been charged in connection with her death, officials said.
According to Hall County jail records, Motes faces a charge of concealing the death of another and is being held without bond at the Hall County Jail.
Discovery of the Child’s Body
Investigators say the tragic discovery was made on October 26, after Motes’ father noticed her acting strangely in the Sam’s Club parking lot located at 3839 Mundy Mill Road in Oakwood, Georgia.
According to a warrant obtained by authorities, Motes’ father reported seeing her driving in circles in the parking lot around 5 p.m. When he confronted her, she reportedly told him, “I hurt someone, and I think she is dead.”
“Her father then drove her away from the scene, and they later encountered law enforcement officers,” the warrant states.
When police searched the vehicle, they found the body of 4-year-old Autumn Fox inside the trunk. The car was registered to Motes, according to investigators.
As reported by Yahoo News, both the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) and Hall County Sheriff’s Office are working alongside the Oakwood Police Department to determine the circumstances leading to the child’s death.
Charges and Ongoing Investigation
Authorities say Motes has been charged with concealing the death of another, though investigators have not yet announced additional charges.
The GBI confirmed that their team is conducting forensic examinations and interviews to uncover what led to Fox’s death and whether foul play or neglect played a role.
“The GBI is handling the case at the request of the Oakwood Police Department and Hall County Sheriff’s Office,” officials said in a statement.
Motes remains in custody with no bond, and additional details, including cause of death, are pending autopsy results.
Community Shock and Response
The heartbreaking discovery has stunned the Hall County community. Residents gathered near the Sam’s Club parking lot this week to leave flowers and stuffed animals in memory of the child.
Local advocates for child safety have renewed calls for awareness and community vigilance in reporting suspicious behavior or signs of neglect.
Officials urge anyone with information about the case to contact the Georgia Bureau of Investigation tip line or the Hall County Sheriff’s Office directly.
“Every piece of information could help us understand what happened and bring justice for this young child,” a GBI spokesperson said.
Motes’ next court appearance has not yet been scheduled.
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