A Kentucky woman could face the death penalty after police say she used abortion medication purchased online and buried the remains in her backyard.
Kentucky State Police arrested 35-year-old Melinda Spencer of Campton on Dec. 31 after she visited a healthcare clinic and disclosed that she terminated her pregnancy at home, according to FOX 56.
Spencer told investigators she began taking the medication on Dec. 26. The abortion occurred the following day. She reported to United Clinics four days later.
After obtaining a search warrant, troopers found a shallow grave at Spencer’s Flat Mary Road residence. Inside a buried white grocery sack, they discovered a light bulb box wrapped in Christmas paper containing the fetal remains wrapped in a white rag, according to court documents obtained by the outlet. (RELATED: Texans Can Sue Abortion Pill Distributors Under Bill Awaiting Governor’s Signature)
35-year-old Melinda S. Spencer of Campton, Kentucky, was placed under arrest after she informed clinic staff that she had aborted her pregnancy at home and buried a child on her property.https://t.co/vmp3VRRpVF
— WSYX ABC 6 (@wsyx6) January 2, 2026
During an interview at an area hospital, Spencer allegedly told police she became pregnant by someone other than her boyfriend and did not want him to find out. She ordered medication online to terminate the pregnancy herself, according to police.
State police said Spencer’s use of the medication caused “the death of a developed male infant.”
The Wolfe County coroner scheduled an autopsy to determine the gestational age.
Prosecutors charged Spencer with first-degree fetal homicide, abuse of a corpse, tampering with physical evidence and first-degree promoting contraband. She remains held at Three Forks Regional Jail.
First-degree fetal homicide carries the death penalty or life imprisonment under Kentucky law, the New York Post reported.
Kentucky banned nearly all abortions after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022. The state offers no exceptions for rape or incest.