SCIOTO COUNTY, Ohio (Court TV) — The parents of a baby boy found dead in a well have been guilty of multiple charges.
Jessica & Daniel Groves react as the judge sentences them for the death of their child. (Court TV)
A jury convicted Jessica Groves on all 11 counts, including murder, and Daniel Groves on all but one charge; aggravated murder. The couple was convicted on what would’ve been Dylan Groves’ first birthday.
Court TV’s Legendary Trials: OH v. Groves: The Death of Baby Dylan (2020)
Following their conviction, Jessica was sentenced to life in prison without parole, plus an additional 32 years. Daniel was sentenced to 47 years to life.
The couple stood trial for the death of their two-month-old son, Dylan. They were arrested in June 2019 after Dylan’s decomposed body was found at the bottom of a 30-foot well near their home. According to the Montgomery County Coroner’s Office, Dylan’s body was wrapped in plastic bags and duct tape, then placed in milk crates secured by chains, padlocks and zip ties.
Dylan’s cause of death was determined as “homicidal violence.” The child had suffered multiple bone fractures and broken ribs. Methamphetamine and amphetamine were also found in his system.
Scioto County authorities believe Dylan, who was born Jan. 10, 2019, died in late March. Scioto County Children Services opened an investigation into his whereabouts that May after Daniel missed court dates, home visits and doctors appointments. Dylan was initially placed in foster care after his was born with drugs in his system. His biological father, Daniel, gained custody on a trial basis.
(L) Daniel Groves, (R) Jessica Groves (Scioto County Sheriff’s Office)
On June 11, the couple was reportedly arrested on charges of abduction, kidnapping and interference of custody. That day, Daniel led authorities to Dylan’s body after barricading himself inside his home for six hours. Days later, the couple was also indicted on charges of aggravated murder, tampering with evidence, gross abuse of a corpse and four counts of felonious assault.
Dylan’s case brought national attention to Ohio’s opioid epidemic and the state’s family reunification process. Lorra Fuller stepped down as director of Scioto County Children Services after an investigation determined the agency mishandled Dylan’s case.
