Family Argues for Double Charge in Fetal Homicide Case

June 18, 2009

Currently, the state of North Carolina and many others in the United States of America do not recognize fetal homicide to be at the same level as first or second-degree murder. This means that if a pregnant mother is killed and her baby dies with her, the killer can only be charged with one count of murder.

However, the family of Jenna Nielsen is challenging this law in the state of North Carolina and trying to have it changed nationally, in honor of their slain relative. Nielsen was 22-years-old when she was stabbed in the back of her neck as she worked at her job on a newspaper delivery route.

Nielsen was eight and a half months pregnant and she had a newborn and a 3-year-old child with her husband, Tim.

The family is unsure as to why Jenna was targeted, but it is believed that she was a victim of sexual assault, before she fought back and was attacked. She died, and so did her unborn child. The murderer has yet to be found, but the family is offering a $15,000 reward for the arrest and conviction of the guilty individual.