Melissa Lamesch, an EMT, was found dead in her burning home in November 2020. This was a terrible tragedy for the people of Mt. Morris, Illinois. At first, what looked like a house fire turned out to be a horrifying murder case. Matthew Plote, Melissa’s boyfriend, was found guilty after the investigation. Here is a full account of what happened and where Matthew is now.
The relationship and the problems it brings up
Matthew Plote was a volunteer firefighter, and Melissa Lamesch was a dedicated EMT. They were dating, but things went badly when Melissa got pregnant. Melissa was excited to become a mom. but Matthew reportedly didn’t want her to and he put pressure on her to think about having an abortion. There was more and more tension because Melissa chose to keep the baby.
The Day of the Crime
Matthew went to Melissa’s house on November 25, 2020, a few days before she was due. Later, police found that Matthew had strangled Melissa and then burned down her house to get rid of evidence. Melissa’s body was found in the kitchen by firefighters who were called to the fire. An autopsy showed that she had been strangled before the fire started, and her unborn child did not make it.
Putting together the case
Early on in the investigation, Matthew’s role became important. He said he was at Melissa’s house on the day she died but he denied doing anything wrong. DNA found under Melissa’s fingernails and Matthew’s sperm found at the scene of the crime were two pieces of evidence that directly linked him to the crime.
Cassie Baal, Melissa’s sister also gave important details. When Matthew came in, she was on the phone with Melissa and noticed that their conversation had ended quickly. This testimony supported the order of events.
After an 18-month investigation, Matthew was arrested in March 2022 and charged with several crimes, including first-degree murder, intentional homicide of an unborn child, and setting fire to a house.
The Trial and Sentence
During his trial, the prosecutors said that—Matthew killed his child because he didn’t want to be responsible for him. Using forensic evidence and witness statements they made a strong case. The defense tried to argue against the charges but the jury found Matthew guilty of all of them.
Matthew Plote was given a life sentence without the chance of parole on June 27, 2023, for killing Melissa. He got more prison time for related charges, which he will serve at the same time. Before he was sentenced, Matthew said he was sorry but insisted he was innocent. The court and Melissa’s family, who was very upset, did not believe him.
Where Is Matthew Plote Now?
For the rest of his life, Matthew Plote is being held at the Menard Correctional Center in Menard, Illinois. So far, all of his appeals have been turned down, which makes him a certain convicted murderer.
Melissa’s death was a terrible loss for her family, friends, and the whole community. People remember her as a kind and hardworking EMT who made a difference in many people’s lives. Making the senseless crime by Matthew Plote even more clear is the tragic deaths of Melissa and her unborn child.
Melissa’s family and friends continue to remember her and make sure that her life and work are not forgotten.
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