Charges Dropped Against Mother Who Lost Pregnancy in Shooting
Charges were recently dropped against a pregnant Alabama woman who was charged with misdemeanor manslaughter of her unborn baby after she was shot in the stomach during a fight. The woman, 27-year old Marshae Jones, had been indicted in May by a grand jury. The decision led to a public outcry with protestors already opposed to Alabama’s laws against reproductive freedom.
Jefferson County District Attorney Lynniece Washington held a press conference on the case and said the issue at hand was whether or not it was appropriate to hold someone legally culpable for actions that led to the death of their unborn child.
She added, “After reviewing the facts of this case and the applicable state law, I have determined that it’s not in the best interest to pursue prosecution of Ms. Jones on the misdemeanor charge for which she was indicted by the grand jury." Washington went on to announce she was dismissing the case and no further action would be taken against Jones.
In December 2018, Jones, who was five months pregnant, was accused of initiating a fight with another woman in the parking lot of store and was shot during the fight. The woman who shot Jones was charged with manslaughter but a grand jury decided against indicting her and instead indicted Jones.
Jones’ lawyer stated that this decision will help her continue to heal from this tragedy and work to build her life in a positive way.
The Realist Woman’s take:
Alabama’s aggression against women was taken to a new low with this case. We’re very much aware of their stance against women and their supposed love for fetuses. These are the “pro-life” people who don’t give a rat’s ass about a kid once it’s born. In Alabama, 30% of children under the age of five live in poverty, the state has one of the highest maternal death rates in the country and the state is considered one of the least educated.
They don’t give a damn about children after they’re born and certainly don’t give a damn about black women. A 27-year old black woman is shot in a fight, loses her baby and is charged with manslaughter. Where do I start with the trauma this young woman has endured? And how in the hell does the woman who shot Jones get off freely? She used self-defense as an excuse. Um, what? She shot a pregnant woman. So all of the blame is on the pregnant woman but not the woman who had the gun and shot it? It's insane. Shame on Alabama and their insincere pro-life stance, which is obviously not inclusive. They are only pro-life for white people who get stopped by police and they are pro-fetus. That’s it.
I'm grateful this woman is free and can begin her journey of healing, but the hell she's been through is vile.
