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Peabody mom indicted for baby's murder
By Karen A. Kapsourakis / For The Item
SALEM - A 37-year-old Peabody mother who is accused of shaking her 8-month-old daughter to death has been indicted by an Essex County grand jury for murder.
An indictment for first-degree murder was handed up late Friday afternoon for Jennifer Ward of 30 Keyes Drive in connection with the death of her daughter Jocelyn Mae Ward-Anderson.
According to reports, the child died of abusive head trauma as a result of being shaken at their home by her mother on Nov. 21.
The baby's father, identified in a published report as Robert D. Anderson, 45, of Lynn, has not been charged with any crime.
An indictment warrant has been issued for Ward's arrest, which police will reportedly serve in Maine.
Department of Social Services Director of Public Affairs Richard A. Nangle, said the child originally was taken into custody after positive drug screens on both the mother and child were detected at birth.
The child was returned to Ward after she agreed to undergo intensive outpatient therapy, but was taken away a second time following a report of neglect.
Nangle said the department worked extensively with the family. Juvenile Court eventually awarded custody to Ward, who also underwent a number of parenting and drug treatment programs. The court also dismissed a care and protection order, Nangle said.
Nangle emphasized that "everyone involved in the case thought it was a success story," but the outcome is tragic and stunning.
A conviction on the crime carries a life sentence in state prison, with no chance of early parole.
Assistant District Attorney Kate B. MacDougall is prosecuting the case for the commonwealth.
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