INDIANOLA, Iowa —

A Norwalk mother, Megan Staude, was sentenced to 50 years in prison for the 2023 killing of her newborn baby.

Her father, Rodney Staude, who was also implicated in the crime, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and received the same sentence during the court proceedings in Warren County.

Megan Staude expressed remorse during her sentencing. She admitted her fault, acknowledging that she could have sought help from friends. Prosecutors highlighted that many people had reached out to Megan before the tragedy, offering her support and guidance on how to provide the child with a better future.

Rodney Staude, who initially awaited trial in October, chose to plead guilty alongside his daughter. In court, he admitted his role in the crime, stating, "We found a bag and put

See Full Page