UPDATE: The federal trial of Jordan Payne, a 31-year-old man from Grove, Oklahoma, is intensifying as it enters its fifth day, with harrowing details emerging about the tragic death of infant Rachel Tymprance-Jane Simpson. Payne faces charges of second-degree murder and child neglect in Indian Country.
Court proceedings in the U.S. Federal Court in Tulsa began on Monday, and prosecutors are set to call a staggering 37 witnesses, according to a detailed trial brief filed on October 27. The case revolves around the infant’s death on October 19, 2024, just days before her first birthday. An autopsy revealed she died from severe blunt force trauma to the head, with both sides of her head severely bruised and blood pooling outside her brain.
The autopsy further disclosed a disturbing scene: Rachel had two fractures in her eye area, multiple skull fractures, and a broken tibia and fibula. In total, she suffered from seven contusions and abrasions to her head, six bruises on her arms and legs, and a potential rib fracture. The gravity of these injuries underscores the urgent nature of the case.
On October 15, the child’s mother, Melissa Foreman, entrusted Rachel to Payne while she worked. Foreman’s testimony revealed a troubling dynamic; she had met Payne through a social media dating app and was aware of his short temper, especially when sleep-deprived. Foreman left home around 11 AM, with Rachel appearing healthy.
However, during the drive to work, Payne reported that Rachel was crying uncontrollably. Foreman attempted to guide him on how to soothe the infant, yet the situation escalated. An alarming photograph sent by Payne showed Rachel lying on the floor near what appeared to be vomit, raising immediate concerns.
When Foreman returned at approximately 6:45 PM, she found Rachel “limp, cold, and unresponsive.” Despite rushed efforts to revive the child at Intergris Grove General Hospital and subsequent transfer to St. Francis Hospital, Rachel was declared dead after four days in the pediatric intensive care unit, displaying severe neurological damage. Tragically, Rachel was an organ donor.
In a shocking twist, Foreman was also scheduled to appear in court on the same day for unrelated felony charges, including child sexual abuse. She is accused of providing a controlled substance to a 13-year-old boy and sexually abusing him, further complicating the emotional landscape surrounding this case.
As the trial continues, the community watches closely, grappling with the heartbreaking circumstances of Rachel’s death. The courtroom is set for intense testimonies, with legal experts predicting that the prosecution will highlight the severity of Rachel’s injuries and the circumstances surrounding her care.
Next steps: The trial will continue to unfold, with more witness testimonies expected to provide deeper insights into the events leading to Rachel’s tragic demise. Legal analysts will monitor the developments closely, as the case raises critical questions about child safety and accountability.
Stay tuned for updates on this developing story as more information becomes available.
