Ohio grand jury opts not to indict woman in fetus disposal case — Courtroom - File Photo

TRUMBULL COUNTY, OH, January 11, 2024 — A Trumbull County grand jury has decided not to indict Brittany Watts, 34, on a charge of abuse of a corpse. This decision follows a controversial incident in September, where Watts allegedly flushed a fetus down a toilet after experiencing a miscarriage.

Court documents revealed that Watts had been carrying the fetus for about 21 weeks. The fetus, showing no signs of life, passed through the birth canal and into the toilet, which Watts then flushed before leaving her house. This act drew significant attention, particularly from abortion rights activists.

According to The Associated Press, friends of Watts urged her to seek hospital care following the incident. Additionally, a nurse reported to the police about a previously pregnant woman who had left the fetus “in her backyard bucket.”

Watts had reportedly been informed by her doctors that the fetus was nonviable and had been advised to induce labor. Despite multiple hospital visits, she was unable to receive treatment, leading to the miscarriage. A subsequent autopsy conducted on the fetus revealed no signs of injury, as reported by CBS affiliate WKBN.

Chris Quigley Latest posts

Chris Quigley is a Staff Writer and Community News Correspondent for Shore News Network, where she covers local government, public safety, community affairs, politics, and issues impacting residents throughout New Jersey. Her reporting focuses on delivering timely, accurate, and relevant news that helps readers stay informed about the communities in which they live and work.

As a member of the Shore News Network editorial team, Quigley works closely with public officials, community leaders, first responders, and local organizations to provide factual coverage of breaking news, municipal government, public policy, and events affecting New Jersey residents. Her work highlights both major developments and the local stories that shape communities across the state.

Quigley is committed to responsible journalism, emphasizing accuracy, source verification, and transparency in every story she reports. She strives to present information in a clear and accessible manner, helping readers better understand the issues, decisions, and events that impact their daily lives.

Through her work at Shore News Network, Chris Quigley contributes to the organization's mission of providing trusted local news coverage, accountability reporting, and community-focused journalism throughout New Jersey.

Chris Quigley is a graduate of Stockton State University and began her career at IN Jersey, the online news and media branch of the Asbury Park Press. She also worked at Monmouth Internet, the Ocean Signal Newspaper, and JTOWN Magazine during her career in both content management and operations.

Degrees: Business B.A. - Stockton University

Experience and interests: Criminal Justice, Business, Animal Care, Entertainment, Lottery News, Local News