GAINESVILLE, Ga. (Court TV) — A woman accused of killing a 4-year-old left inside the trunk of a car is asking a judge to end each trial day at a “reasonable hour” so she can rest and “try to revitalize.”
Jessica Motes smiles as she is led into court on May 1, 2026. (Court TV)
Jessica Motes, 37, has pleaded not guilty to felony murder, malice murder, aggravated battery and child abuse in the death of Autumn Fox, whose body was found in October 2025. Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty for Motes if she’s convicted.
In the days after a judge refused to dismiss charges against her, Motes’ attorneys filed more than 50 motions addressing issues ranging from jury instructions and evidentiary matters to courtroom logistics. Many of the motions are standard for defendants facing a potential death sentence, challenging the punishment’s constitutionality and requesting specific jury language and instructions. But others are unusual.
One motion asks that the trial proceedings be adjourned each day “at a reasonable time.” Melinda Ryals, Motes’ attorney, wrote in the motion that after the trial ends each day, her work will continue as she prepares for the next day’s witnesses and strategizes with her client. “In addition to the need for time to consult with her attorney and to prepare for the next day’s presentation, Jessica Motes needs time to rest, in order to properly concentrate on the proceedings. Rest or relaxation at the jail is mythical; yet, Jessica Motes must still be given the opportunity to try to revitalize each day in light of the gravity of the charges and the nature of these proceedings.”
Another motion requests that the judge appoint non-law enforcement personnel as jury bailiffs, arguing that there is a “real and obvious conflict between the duties of a Sheriff and Sheriff’s deputies, and the duties of persons serving as jury bailiffs, particularly where it is extremely probable that the other deputy sheriffs will testify on behalf of the state at trial.” A third motion asks that conversations between jurors and bailiffs be limited to logistical matters “relating to ‘keep[ing]’ the jury and the provision of ‘meat and drink.'”
Ryals also filed a motion asking Judge Lindsay Burton to evaluate all possible bases for her own recusal and to notify the defendant within 14 days “whether or not such possible bases exist so that Jessica Motes may make a knowing and intelligent decision as to whether to seek recusal in this case.”
Investigators have not disclosed the relationship between Motes and Autumn, only saying that the child was in the trunk of the defendant’s car while it was parked outside a Sam’s Club. Autumn died of blunt force trauma and exposure to drugs, including fentanyl, methamphetamine and xylazine.
Burton scheduled Motes’ next pretrial hearing for Nov. 23.
