A 24-year-old mother from Iowa, has been sentenced to 50 years in prison following her confession of drowning her newborn daughter in a bathtub after giving birth at home.
Having pleaded guilty to second-degree murder, Taylor Blaha faces the stipulation of serving at least 70% of her sentence, equating to 35 years, before parole consideration.
Brandon Thoma, aged 31, the father of Blaha’s two children, previously admitted guilt on counts of child endangerment resulting in death and misuse of a corpse.
The couple, in an attempt to quiet the baby, submerged her in a partially filled bathtub. Subsequently, they concealed the child’s body in a backpack and disposed of it in a forested area.
Further investigation revealed Blaha’s use of methamphetamine during her delivery on November 16, 2022. Concerns of possible child services intervention, which might affect the custody of their two-year-old son, prompted the couple’s decision to take their newborn’s life. Notably, preceding actions included internet searches on miscarriage induction methods.
During the tragic event, Thoma played an active role, guiding Blaha on the drowning act. They then hid the baby’s body, with surveillance footage showcasing Thoma’s disposal actions.
Although the baby’s death became known to authorities on November 22, her body remains unfound, despite searches in Fort Dodge woodlands and nearby landfills.
Originally facing first-degree murder, Blaha’s charge was reduced to second-degree murder following her guilty plea.
Following his plea deal acceptance, Thoma is scheduled for sentencing on September 1.
