After facing challenges trying to conceive a child with her husband Beau, Jennifer Rothwell received a diagnosis of endometriosis. Despite concerns about her fertility, Jennifer, aged 28, remained determined not to give up on her dream of having children.
The couple, both with engineering backgrounds, got married almost four years prior after meeting as lab partners at the University of Missouri. Settled in St Louis, Missouri, Beau worked as a project manager while Jennifer pursued a career as a chemical engineer.
Desiring to start a family, Jennifer and Beau continued their efforts to conceive following the diagnosis. However, the process of tracking fertility cycles and monitoring temperatures began to strain their relationship, making intimacy feel like a chore.
In September 2019, Jennifer joyfully discovered she was pregnant. Excitedly planning for the baby’s arrival, discussions of nursery designs and baby name options filled their days. Tragically, on November 12, when Jennifer was about six weeks pregnant, Beau reported her missing after she failed to return home from work.
A search ensued, and within 24 hours, Beau became the primary suspect in Jennifer’s disappearance. Evidence of a bloodstained carpet with bleach traces in their home led to Beau being charged with his wife’s murder.
Investigations revealed that Beau had been contemplating leaving Jennifer, as evidenced by a notebook listing the “pros and cons” of their relationship. Additionally, he had engaged in an extramarital affair.
During police questioning, Beau confessed to killing Jennifer during a confrontation about his affair. He led authorities to Jennifer’s body, which was found about 45 miles northwest of their home in a wooded area.
At his trial, Beau admitted to the murder but claimed it was an act of rage. However, he was convicted of first-degree murder. The prosecution argued that the killing was premeditated, citing Beau’s planning and actions leading up to the murder.
Beau received a life sentence without parole for Jennifer’s murder, along with additional charges of tampering with evidence and abandoning a corpse. Despite expressing remorse at his trial, Jennifer’s family mourned the loss of their daughter and the unborn child she carried.
The tragic outcome highlighted the stark contrast between Jennifer’s hope for a future with Beau and his ultimate betrayal of her trust and life.