Teen parents face charges in killing of newborn child

A Monmouth County high school student had a court appearance Wednesday morning to face charges that she killed her newborn son.

News 12 Staff

Apr 10, 2019, 9:53 AM

Updated 1,851 days ago

Share:

A Monmouth County high school student had a court appearance Wednesday morning to face charges that she killed her newborn son.
Prosecutors say Neptune High School student Jada McClain, 18, hid her pregnancy and then killed the baby shortly after giving birth in March.
Investigators say the baby's father, 19-year-old Quaimere Mohammed, then threw the infant's body in a dumpster in Asbury Park.
McClain is charged with murder and disturbing or desecrating remains. Mohammed is also charged with desecrating remains.
According to an affidavit, McClain admitted to police that prior to the incident, she had tried to kill the fetus by drinking alcohol and smoking marijuana.
The body of the baby, whom McClain is said to have named Legend, has not yet been found. News 12 New Jersey is told that the initial search for the baby’s body has been suspended.
Mohammed’s detention hearing will be on Thursday or Friday. McClain’s detention hearing is scheduled for next week. News 12 is told by McClain’s attorney that McClain will enter a plea of not guilty at the detention hearing.
McClain had to meet for a separate issue at the courthouse after her attorney said she was seen speaking by phone with a distant relative who works in the courthouse. The court considered moving the case out of Monmouth County, but a judge determined that this would not have to be the case.


More from News 12
2:32
Summer Safety Initiative: Overnight youth curfew in effect for the city of Newark

Summer Safety Initiative: Overnight youth curfew in effect for the city of Newark

1:59
Mostly cloudy Saturday in New Jersey; widespread showers on Sunday

Mostly cloudy Saturday in New Jersey; widespread showers on Sunday

1:46
Officials: Man killed in house explosion in South River identified as retired Newark officer

Officials: Man killed in house explosion in South River identified as retired Newark officer

0:42
NJ lawmakers criticize how Rutgers officials negotiated with pro-Palestinian protesters

NJ lawmakers criticize how Rutgers officials negotiated with pro-Palestinian protesters

0:28
Special election to be held to fill late Rep. Donald Payne’s seat in Congress

Special election to be held to fill late Rep. Donald Payne’s seat in Congress

0:42
Jersey Proud: Army ROTC students from Rutgers, Seton Hall and Princeton train together

Jersey Proud: Army ROTC students from Rutgers, Seton Hall and Princeton train together

1:32
Knowing the early warning signs during Stroke Awareness Month

Knowing the early warning signs during Stroke Awareness Month

0:27
Prosecutor: 2 people seriously injured in 3-car crash; driver charged with drunk driving

Prosecutor: 2 people seriously injured in 3-car crash; driver charged with drunk driving

0:30
Police: New York man pointed knife at pro-Palestinian protester in Teaneck

Police: New York man pointed knife at pro-Palestinian protester in Teaneck

0:27
Officials: Paterson man threatened to ‘shoot up’ JFK Int’l Airport

Officials: Paterson man threatened to ‘shoot up’ JFK Int’l Airport

2:02
Authorities: Major fire displaces 20 people from 9 families in Elizabeth

Authorities: Major fire displaces 20 people from 9 families in Elizabeth

1:04
Hillsborough school officials vote to end middle school sports, make staff cuts amid budget cuts

Hillsborough school officials vote to end middle school sports, make staff cuts amid budget cuts

0:49
Bridgewater-Raritan School District waives fees to participate in clubs, sports

Bridgewater-Raritan School District waives fees to participate in clubs, sports

0:39
Officials: 3 pedestrians, including 2 children, struck by NYC-based news van in Elizabeth

Officials: 3 pedestrians, including 2 children, struck by NYC-based news van in Elizabeth

0:28
GoFundMe started for 6-month-old boy and his grandfather killed by fallen tree in Verona

GoFundMe started for 6-month-old boy and his grandfather killed by fallen tree in Verona

0:40
Main Street New Jersey: Restaurants, businesses to visit in Edgewater

Main Street New Jersey: Restaurants, businesses to visit in Edgewater

3:21
Bridge over section of I-95 in process of being demolished due to damage from truck fire

Bridge over section of I-95 in process of being demolished due to damage from truck fire

1:12
Several house fires break out Thursday in New Jersey; 1 man dead

Several house fires break out Thursday in New Jersey; 1 man dead

0:18
South Brunswick police searching for missing man last seen on Route 1

South Brunswick police searching for missing man last seen on Route 1

1:26
Look up! Annual Eta Aquarid meteor shower peaks early Sunday morning

Look up! Annual Eta Aquarid meteor shower peaks early Sunday morning