A 35-year-old Kentucky woman is facing capital murder charges after police say she used illicitly obtained medication to terminate a pregnancy and buried the remains of a “developed male infant” in her backyard.
Melinda Spencer was arrested this week and charged with first-degree fetal homicide, abuse of a corpse, and tampering with physical evidence. Under Kentucky state law, the homicide charge is a capital offense, meaning Spencer could face life imprisonment or the death penalty if convicted.
The investigation began on Wednesday afternoon when staff at United Clinic contacted the Kentucky State Police.
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According to investigators, Spencer allegedly disclosed to clinic workers that she had ordered abortion medication online and terminated her pregnancy at her home on Flat Mary Road, outside of Lexington.
Detectives interviewed Spencer at the clinic before searching her property. Police said they discovered the infant’s remains buried in a shallow grave behind the home. While authorities have not released the specific gestational age of the fetus, they have described it as a “developed male infant.”
Kentucky enforces a near-total ban on abortion. The procedure is only permitted to prevent death or serious physical injury to the mother, with no exceptions for cases of rape or incest.
Following the arrest, Addia Wuchner, Executive Director of Kentucky Right to Life, issued a statement to local media describing the case as a “profound tragedy.”
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“This case also highlights the dangers of abortion pills, which too often remove medical oversight, safeguards, and support,” Wuchner said. “The answer is not more abortion, but more compassion, responsibility, and real support for women and families.”
Spencer is currently being held at the Three Forks Regional Jail.
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