ROWAN COUNTY, NC – A North Carolina man faces murder charges in connection with the death of an unborn child following a brutal attack on his ex-girlfriend, local authorities reported.

Raymond Jerel Callicutt has been accused of assaulting Jenny Nicole Hearne on November 11, 2023, at her residence close to Atwell. The altercation, stemming from an earlier relationship between the two, escalated into violence. Several days after the incident, Hearne, experiencing alarming health issues, was hospitalized and gave birth to her son, Josiah Randolph Hearne, prematurely at around 24 weeks.

Tragically, Josiah lived for just under 12 hours before succumbing to severe injuries sustained during the assault on his mother. The medical examiner conducted an autopsy which revealed substantial injuries, including to the liver, brain, heart, and lungs of the infant. Josiah’s death was classified as a homicide caused by blunt force trauma related to the assault on Hearne.

Following the devastating outcome of the premature birth and subsequent death of the child, Callicutt was apprehended by law enforcement. Initially detained on November 17 for an unrelated charge of breaking and entering into Hearne’s home, the additional charge of murder of an unborn child was added on November 27 after the autopsy results were assessed by authorities.

Callicutt is presently being held without bond at the Rowan County Jail. He is expected to appear in court on November 29, where he will face charges that not only pertain to the assault and breaking and entering but now also include the murder of Hearne’s unborn child. This case highlights the tragic intersections of domestic violence and legal definitions of harm against the most vulnerable.

The Rowan County Sheriff’s Office, responsible for the investigation, continues to gather evidence and testimonies to ensure a thorough legal proceeding. As the community mourns the loss of young Josiah, the sheriff’s office calls for any individuals with further information to come forward to assist in the ongoing case.