Norwalk, IA – A mother and her father were each sentenced to 50 years in prison for the death of her newborn son, who was discarded along a snowy road earlier this year.
Sentencing Details
Megan K. Staude, 28, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in July 2025, while her father, Rodney Staude, 67, entered a guilty plea to the same charge on Monday. Prosecutor Douglas Eichholz described the horrific crime, saying the infant was “discarded in a ditch like trash.”
Both Megan and Rodney Staude must serve at least 70% of their sentences, meaning 35 years before becoming eligible for parole.
Crime Background
The investigation began on March 8, 2023, when the Norwalk Police Department received a tip about a child’s safety. The following day, officers recovered the baby along the 5300 block of Delaware Street in Warren County.
Authorities determined that Megan Staude gave birth in late February 2023, placed the baby in a box, and ignored his cries for two days. She and her father then allegedly put the infant in a trash bag while still alive and discarded him in a ditch.
Local CBS affiliate KCCI reported that co-workers raised initial concerns after noticing Megan was no longer pregnant. Neighbors described the household as “unsafe to occupy”.
Statements and Reactions
Prosecutor Eichholz noted that family members tried to help Megan, but she ignored their assistance. He added:
“The saddest part about this is Megan knew the options that were available to her. She knew about the Safe Haven law, but she didn’t take advantage of it. That’s what makes this case senseless.”
Megan Staude’s attorney said she felt “lost” after her mother’s death in 2018 and lacked support. In her statement, Megan blamed her father, claiming he was the one who killed and discarded the baby, and she went along.
A victim impact statement from the baby’s father read:
“I hope you get what you deserve. I’m totally and emotionally broken for what you did to our son who was a baby. Who does that to an innocent child?”
Police Perspective
Norwalk Police Chief Greg Staples called the investigation “difficult and emotional” but praised officers for quickly solving the case. A cadaver dog named Montana, part of Iowa SAR K9, helped locate the baby covered in snow.
Chief Staples emphasized the importance of Safe Haven laws:
“It is a shame that because the Safe Haven laws weren’t used in this case we have the death of a newborn and two people in jail charged with the most serious crime.”
What are your thoughts on this tragic case and the use of Safe Haven laws? Share your views and support in the comments below.
