Makayla Winston, 21, was looking forward to becoming a mother on July 4 and couldn’t wait to share her latest ultrasound with the baby-to-be’s father. Unfortunately, Makayla never made it to her destination and was found dead at nine months pregnant. Mississippi police found Winston’s body about five miles from where her car was last spotted, Holmes County Sheriff Willie March told People.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Young Father of Newborn Twins Shot in Kentucky, Dies in Same Hospital Where Twins Were Born
Initially, March shared that the police suspect foul play and believe the crime could have been committed by someone who knew her. “The investigation continues,” he shared. “We are going to find out what happened to her. I feel very sorry for the family.”
A Suspect Is in Custody
On July 1, police arrested and charged Winston’s boyfriend, and the presumed father of her unborn child, Terrence Sample with kidnapping and two counts of murder.
“His lawyer came in with him and basically turned himself in to us for questioning,” Sherrif March said. “Through the questioning, we received information that he had association or contact with her that night she came up missing.” According to March, however, Sample claims he had no involvement with Winston.
After Winston went missing last Thursday on her way to visit her dad and show him the latest ultrasound, local police began a frantic search. On Friday morning, they found her car abandoned off Highway 14, near Interstate 55. The keys were in the ignition and a cell phone was found nearby, March shared with local news station, WCSC.
Police believe a white SUV may be somehow involved, though they have limited details about the vehicle and its driver. The cell phone found was wiped clean, providing little to no evidence. According to reports, several people have been interviewed about the crime, though no details of those conversations have been shared. The investigation continues with March vowing to find out what, exactly, happened to the young mom.
Mamas Uncut is THE online place for moms. We cover the latest about motherhood, parenting, and entertainment as well – all with a mom-focused twist. So if you're looking for parenting advice from real parents, we have plenty of it, all for moms from moms, and also experts. Because, at the end of the day, our mission is focused solely on empowering moms and moms-to-be with the knowledge and answers they’re looking for in one safe space.