West Melbourne babies born into toilet, thrown into trash
West Melbourne, Fl- 2 babies were born in the toilet and then thrown in the trash according to the West Melbourne Police Department.
The death investigation at 138 Laurel Oak Street has been ongoing since it was reported on Sunday, April 15, 2018. As originally reported, “Baby John Doe” was transported to Holmes Regional Medical Center where he was pronounced deceased. Then, investigators returned to the residence. That is when they found the discarded body of “Baby Jane Doe” in the trash can. It is believed their mother, Rachael Lynn Thomas, gave birth to the otherwise healthy twins then took their lives. Thomas never told first responders about Baby Jane.
Preliminary autopsy results reveal the manner of death of the twins is homicide. According to the West Melbourne Detectives Baby Jane and Baby John suffered severe blunt force trauma to their heads. This was not consistent with Thomas’ story of giving birth in a toilet. Also, the umbilical cord was wrapped around Baby Jane’s throat and a foreign object was lodged in her throat to block her airway. After discarding her in the trash can, Thomas threw additional trash on top of Baby Jane in an attempt to conceal her. Both babies are believed to have been carried a full 39 week term.
During the course of this investigation, our investigators have worked closely with the Medical Examiner’s Office and the Office of the State Attorney. Detectives have now secured an arrest warrant charging Rachael Lynn Thomas with:
- – 1 count premeditated 1st degree murder (Baby Jane)
- – 2 counts felony murder (Baby Jane and Baby John)
- – 2 counts aggravated child abuse (Baby Jane and Baby JohnThomas’ two other children, an 8 year old boy and 1 year old boy, have been placed by DCF with other family members. Thomas will remain incarcerated in the Brevard County Jail where she is now being held on a no bond status.
