Sheriff: Baby born with drugs in system found dead at bottom of 30-foot well

Sheriff: Baby born with drugs in system found dead at bottom of 30-foot well

A 5-month-old baby was found dead at the bottom of a 30-foot well, authorities said. The child’s parents have now been arrested on abduction and kidnapping charges.

Authorities with the Scioto County Sheriff’s Office said the child’s remains were discovered this week in Otway, Ohio – a small village with a population of under 100 just east of the Adams County line.

The remains have been identified as Dylan Groves, who was believed to be dead since March. The child’s remains were taken to the coroner’s office for an autopsy.

“it is a pretty surprising situation especially where we are out here, pretty quiet part of the woods,” said a neighbor who asked not to be identified. “It is unfortunate.”

Authorities said the investigation into the child’s parents – identified as Jessica Groves, 39, and Daniel Groves, 41 — began with the birth of Dylan.

Children Services were awarded legal custody of the child shortly after birth, learning that the child was born with illicit drugs in his system.

But Dylan was later placed back into the Groves’ care, officials said, after they agreed to several terms set forth by Scioto County Children Services.

But both Jessica and Daniel Groves began to miss required court dates, investigators said, in addition to home visits and doctor appointments for the child.

Children Services personnel attempted to make contact with the Groves on multiple occasions, officials said, but were unable to find them at home.

On May 20, authorities said they spotted the couple on a four-wheeler while visiting the home for one of these checkups.

Deputies said the pair fled into a nearby wooded area upon seeing officers, and disappeared after a short pursuit.

On Monday, following a meeting with the Scioto County Prosecutor’s Office, the Sheriff’s Office obtained a search warrant for the Groves’ property.

Jessica Groves surrendered without incident, authorities said, but Daniel Groves barricaded himself inside a room.

Authorities said Daniel Groves was arrested after a six-hour standoff.

During a search of the home, authorities said they found no sign of the child, but seized $42,000 worth of stolen goods – ranging from four-wheelers to a camper.

Following the search. authorities said they found reason to believe that the child had been dead since March.

The couple appeared in Portsmouth Municipal Court on Thursday and waived their preliminary hearing. The case has been bound over to a grand jury, and they could face additional charges.

Authorities added that the investigation is still ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to call detectives at 740-351-1091.

The director of Scioto County Children Services said she could not comment at this time because of the ongoing criminal investigation.