A woman from Manchester, New Hampshire was arraigned on Friday morning, Feb. 27, 2026, in connection with the death of her newborn daughter, whose body was discovered floating in Pine Island Pond nearly a year earlier—a case that deeply affected the community and prompted an extensive 11‑month investigation.
Hepay Juma, 26, is facing charges of reckless second-degree murder for allegedly causing the death of Baby Jane “Grace” Doe under circumstances showing extreme disregard for human life, according to New Hampshire Attorney General John M. Formella. Juma waived her arraignment at Manchester District Court on Friday and did not appear either in person or via video.
The infant’s body was discovered around 4 p.m. on March 27, 2025, by someone walking near the pond at Pine Island Park, a quiet recreation area near Manchester-Boston Regional Airport with trails and a playground. Police had been alerted about an object floating in the water, which was found to be a newborn girl. Investigators concluded the child had been in the pond no more than two days, placing the timeframe between March 25 and March 27, 2025. The death was deemed suspicious immediately, and an autopsy ruled it a homicide by unspecified means.
Senior Assistant Attorney General Nicholas Chong Yen praised Manchester police for their extensive efforts, stating that investigators were “tireless in terms of tracking every lead and following up on information provided by the public.”
The case drew wide public interest as authorities worked to identify the infant. Manchester Police Chief Peter Marr issued a public appeal shortly after the discovery, urging anyone who might have noticed unusual activity near the pond to come forward. Police requested information from anyone who may have seen someone disposing of an item into the water at Pine Island Park during the three-day window in late March. By April 2, officials had received around 50 tips but still lacked information about the baby or her parents.
Authorities first offered a $2,500 reward for information that could lead to an arrest. On April 15, they increased the reward to $5,000. Manchester police also brought in the New Hampshire State Police K-9 Unit and performed multiple searches of the park in the days after the discovery, checking the shoreline and surrounding area for more evidence.
With no immediate identification, Manchester police named the infant Grace, a reflection of the compassion shown by those determined to honor her short life. A detective from the Juvenile Division created a tribute portrait—an artist’s rendering meant to portray the baby with dignity. A public funeral took place on May 12, 2025, at Connor-Healy Funeral Home on Union Street, where community members, state officials, and strangers gathered to pay respects to a child they never knew.
Inside the funeral home, Baby Grace lay in a small white casket surrounded by pink and white flowers. A Manchester police officer in full dress uniform stood watch beside her. Mourners streamed in to offer prayers for the unidentified newborn whose tragic, brief life had touched the entire community. “The way she was discarded is heartbreaking,” Chief Marr said, “and it is important that we give her a proper farewell.” Baby Grace was buried at Saint Joseph Cemetery in Bedford.
Prosecutors have not disclosed exactly how investigators identified Juma or the newborn’s specific age, describing her only as a newborn. A police affidavit remains sealed. The father has been identified, but authorities are withholding his name and any other identifying details. The circumstances surrounding the case are still under active investigation.
Juma, previously residing on Ahern Street in Manchester, continues to be held in custody. She is represented by public defender Maya Dominguez. A probable cause hearing was scheduled for 8:30 a.m. on March 5, 2026, but no further information is available.
The case has renewed focus on New Hampshire’s Safe Haven Law, which was updated in September 2024. The revised law allows a parent to anonymously surrender a newborn up to 61 days old—an increase from the previous seven-day limit. Surrender can occur at any hospital, police station, or fire station at any time, or at a church during posted hours, without the parent providing identifying information. The law also includes new protections preventing evidence obtained solely from the surrender from being used against the parent.
The arrest follows months of detailed investigative work by Manchester police and the Attorney General’s Office. Authorities urge anyone who recognizes Juma’s name or has information related to the case to contact the Manchester Police Department Tip Line at 603‑716‑7236. Anonymous information can also be submitted to the Manchester Crimeline at 603‑624‑4040.
