Mom Who Killed 4-Year-Old Son During Custody Battle Dies in Prison

Manuela Morgado was serving a 20-year-to-life sentence for smothering her son with a pillow in 2012.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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Manuela Morgado, a New York woman who was convicted of murdering her 4-year-old son during a bitter custody dispute in 2012, has died in prison. Morgado was found dead in her cell at Bedford Hills Correctional Facility on March 4, 2026, according to the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision. She was serving a 20-year-to-life sentence after pleading guilty to second-degree murder in 2014.

Why it matters

This tragic case highlights the devastating impact that custody battles can have on children, and the importance of ensuring that the legal system prioritizes the well-being and safety of minors involved in such disputes. Morgado's actions were a horrific violation of her role as a parent, and her death in prison raises questions about the state's ability to provide adequate care and support for incarcerated individuals.

The details

In October 2012, Morgado fatally smothered her son, Jason "Jake" Reish, with a pillow after initially giving him Benadryl. She then attempted suicide by overdosing on Xanax and left a note. When interviewed by police, Morgado reportedly said she intended for Jake's death to be "quick and peaceful so we could be happy together forever." At the time, Morgado was engaged in a custody battle with her ex-fiancé.

  • Morgado killed her son in October 2012.
  • Morgado was sentenced to 20 years to life in prison in 2014.
  • Morgado was found dead in her cell on March 4, 2026.

The players

Manuela Morgado

A New York woman who was convicted of murdering her 4-year-old son, Jason "Jake" Reish, during a bitter custody dispute in 2012.

Jason "Jake" Reish

Morgado's 4-year-old son, whom she smothered to death with a pillow in 2012.

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What they’re saying

“This defendant methodically planned and carried out the murder of her four-year-old child, a child whose life was taken well before his time by the very person whose job it was to protect him.”

— Janet DiFiore, Former Westchester County District Attorney (The Journal News)

What’s next

The investigation into Morgado's death in prison is ongoing, and authorities will likely examine the circumstances surrounding her passing and whether the correctional facility provided adequate care and support during her incarceration.

The takeaway

This tragic case serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences that can arise when custody battles spiral out of control, and the critical importance of prioritizing the well-being and safety of children caught in the middle of such disputes. It also raises broader questions about the ability of the criminal justice system to provide appropriate care and support for incarcerated individuals struggling with mental health issues.