N.H. Woman Charged with Murder of Infant Found in Pond

Hepay Juma, 26, faces reckless second-degree murder charges after 11-month investigation

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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A 26-year-old Manchester, New Hampshire woman has been arrested and charged with reckless second-degree murder in connection with the death of her infant child, whose body was found in Pine Island Pond in March 2025. The female infant, referred to as "Baby Jane 'Grace' Doe" throughout the investigation, was discovered deceased in the pond, prompting a lengthy 11-month probe by authorities.

Why it matters

The case has drawn significant attention in the Manchester community and across New Hampshire, as the suspicious circumstances surrounding the infant's death and the lengthy investigation have raised concerns about maternal mental health, access to resources, and the state's ability to support vulnerable families.

The details

According to prosecutors, Hepay Juma is charged with reckless second-degree murder, stemming from "an extreme indifference to the value of human life." The investigation began when the infant's body was discovered in Pine Island Pond in Manchester on March 27, 2025. Police initially offered a $2,500 reward for information, which was later doubled to $5,000, but it took nearly a year before Juma was arrested and charged.

  • The infant's body was found in Pine Island Pond in Manchester, New Hampshire on the afternoon of March 27, 2025.
  • By April 2, 2025, Manchester police had received about 50 leads but were still seeking the public's help in finding information about the suspicious death.
  • Two weeks later, on April 16, 2025, police doubled the information reward from $2,500 to $5,000.

The players

Hepay Juma

A 26-year-old woman from Manchester, New Hampshire who has been charged with reckless second-degree murder in the death of her infant child.

John Formella

The New Hampshire Attorney General who announced the charges against Juma alongside the Manchester Police Chief.

Peter Marr

The Manchester Police Chief who announced the charges against Juma alongside the New Hampshire Attorney General.

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What they’re saying

“The charge levied against Juma stems from 'an extreme indifference to the value of human life,'”

— John Formella, New Hampshire Attorney General (boston.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Hepay Juma to be released on bail.

The takeaway

This tragic case highlights the critical need for greater support and resources for new mothers and vulnerable families in New Hampshire, as well as the importance of thorough investigations into suspicious infant deaths to ensure justice is served.