Memphis Man Indicted on Five Charges After Allegedly Dumping Newborn in Dumpster
A 45-year-old Memphis man is facing multiple charges after allegedly disposing of a newborn in a dumpster, an act that came to light when the baby’s 16-year-old mother flagged down police just hours after giving birth in his car.
James Boothe Jr. has been indicted on five charges, including:
- Two counts of trafficking for a commercial sex act
- One count of promoting prostitution of a minor (ages 12-18)
- One count of continuous sexual abuse of a child
- One count of aggravated statutory rape
This indictment follows the dismissal of an initial abuse of a corpse charge due to a “lack of prosecution,” a decision that left some locals confused. However, Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy clarified that further charges could still be pursued as more evidence emerges.
The Disturbing Case Unfolds
On the morning of January 27, Memphis police responded to a distress call at 9 a.m. Upon arrival, they encountered a 16-year-old girl who told officers she had just given birth two hours earlier and that she had been in a relationship with a man named “James” for the past three years.
According to the arrest affidavit, the girl stated that she went into labor while Boothe was driving her to the hospital. She delivered the baby in his car, after which he allegedly removed the newborn, placed her in a black plastic bag, and discarded the bag in a dumpster behind a Shell gas station.
Security footage from a nearby business reportedly captured a man matching Boothe’s description exiting a dark Infiniti SUV and placing a black plastic bag in the dumpster, aligning with the teen’s account. Authorities later identified Boothe as the owner of the vehicle.
Authorities Recover Infant’s Remains
Roughly two-and-a-half hours after the baby’s birth, emergency responders arrived at the gas station and retrieved the infant’s remains from the dumpster. While the cause of death has not been officially released, CrimeOnline reports that authorities believe the baby may have been stillborn.
Ongoing Investigation
Boothe was arrested and remains in custody with bond set at $1.25 million. While the abuse of a corpse charge was initially dismissed, DA Mulroy emphasized that the case is still active:
“We are continuing to look at the evidence related to the abuse of a corpse allegation for a potential indictment.”
As the investigation continues, the case raises grave concerns about child exploitation, statutory rape, and potential human trafficking, painting a harrowing picture of what the teen mother may have endured over the past three years.
