Woman Charged in Death of Baby Found Floating in New Hampshire Pond

Hepay Juma arrested for reckless second-degree murder in the death of her child, known as Baby Grace Doe

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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A 26-year-old woman named Hepay Juma has been arrested and charged with reckless second-degree murder in connection with the death of her baby, whose body was found floating in a pond in Manchester, New Hampshire last year. The baby, known as Baby Grace Doe, was discovered on March 27, 2025, and her death was treated as suspicious following an autopsy. Investigators have not released details on how they made the arrest or the cause of the baby's death.

Why it matters

The tragic death of Baby Grace Doe sparked outrage in the Manchester community, leading to a public funeral where residents paid their respects. This arrest marks a significant development in the case and raises questions about the circumstances surrounding the infant's death and the alleged actions of the mother.

The details

Hepay Juma, a 26-year-old Manchester resident, has been charged with reckless second-degree murder for "causing the death of Baby Jane 'Grace' Doe, her child, under circumstances manifesting an extreme indifference to the value of human life." The baby's body was discovered floating in the water at Pine Island Park in Manchester on March 27, 2025, and her death was treated as suspicious following an autopsy. Investigators have not released any information about how they made the arrest or the cause of the baby's death.

  • On March 27, 2025, the baby's body was found floating in the water at Pine Island Park in Manchester.
  • A funeral was held for Baby Grace Doe last May, and the public was invited to pay their respects.

The players

Hepay Juma

A 26-year-old Manchester resident who has been charged with reckless second-degree murder in the death of her baby, known as Baby Grace Doe.

Baby Grace Doe

The infant whose body was found floating in a pond in Manchester, New Hampshire in 2025. The baby was named Grace by police "to celebrate the kindness extended to her by those who refuse to let her life go unrecognized."

Peter Marr

The Manchester Police Chief who said the baby's death was "extremely tragic" and asked the public for help after the body was discovered.

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What they’re saying

“The way she was discarded is heartbreaking, and it is important that we give her a proper farewell.”

— Peter Marr, Manchester Police Chief

What’s next

A date for Juma's arraignment on the second-degree murder charge has not been announced.

The takeaway

This tragic case highlights the need for greater support and resources for new mothers, as well as the importance of thorough investigations into suspicious infant deaths to ensure justice is served and the community can begin to heal.