On the morning of November 25, 2020, Melissa Lamesch’s life took a tragic turn. She was due to give birth to a baby boy in just two days, and Thanksgiving was around the corner. Melissa’s sister, Cassie Baal, had a long conversation with her that day, which ended abruptly when the expectant father of Melissa’s baby, Matthew Plote, showed up at her door. Melissa had told her family that Plote did not share her interest in becoming a parent and even suggested she get an abortion. Despite this, Melissa wanted her baby to have both parents involved in their life, so she kept communication open with Plote.
Melissa, a devoted EMT, was excited about becoming a mother and had the full support of her family. However, tragedy struck when a fire broke out in her home, and she was found dead on the kitchen floor. The investigation into the fire revealed that it was intentionally set, and Melissa had been murdered. Plote, a firefighter-paramedic, was eventually arrested and charged with murder, the intentional homicide of an unborn child, and arson.
During the trial, the prosecution argued that Plote killed Melissa and their unborn child because he did not want to be a father. The defense, however, claimed that there was no evidence linking Plote to the crime and that he had only gone to see Melissa to talk. The trial lasted a week, and after two hours of deliberation, the jury found Plote guilty on all charges. He was sentenced to life in prison.
The verdict brought some closure to Melissa’s family, but the pain and loss remain. Plote’s lack of remorse during the trial and his minimal reaction to the sentencing did not sit well with Melissa’s family. They continue to honor Melissa’s memory by giving back to the community and keeping her spirit alive. Despite the justice served, nothing can bring Melissa and her unborn son back, leaving a permanent void in the hearts of her loved ones.
