A Trumbull County grand jury has rejected to indict a Warren woman who was charged with felony abuse of a corpse after miscarrying at home.
Brittany Watts’ case received a “no-bill” from the grand jury on Thursday afternoon. That indicates the grand jury decided not to charge Watts.
Traci Timko, Watts’ attorney, told the FOX 8 I-Team that she is relieved her client may now begin to recover.
“So incredibly relieved and thankful that justice was done,” he remarked.
The grand jury judgment was made public only hours before a Watts rally was set to take place outside the courthouse in Warren’s Courthouse Square Park.
Several national advocacy groups planned the gathering. Several dozen folks showed up. Watts made a brief appearance during the protest.
“I am truly grateful to each and every one of you who came out,” Watts said to the audience. “Everyone in my family, all of my friends, and those of you I don’t know.” I am extremely honored and glad that you have come to support me, and we will not give up. Thank you a lot.”
Watts stated that she intends to continue fighting for women’s rights. She expresses her hope that what occurred to her does not happen to anyone else.
Watts, 34, miscarried at home in September when she was 22 weeks pregnant. A few weeks later, she was arrested on the criminal accusation.
After a nurse contacted 911, Warren police began investigating the situation.
“I have a mother who had a home delivery and came in without the baby,” the nurse said to the dispatcher.
Watts had been to the hospital just days before miscarrying, according to Timko. According to Timko, a doctor told Watts that the fetus was not viable and would not survive. Watts flushed the toilet after miscarrying.
When Warren police arrived at the house, they discovered the fetus in the toilet. The toilet was seized by police and dragged away as evidence.
Warren Municipal Court was the first to hear the matter. Following a preliminary hearing, a judge referred the case to the county grand jury.