PHOENIX (TCN) — A 27-year-old man will spend the rest of his life behind bars for killing his ex-girlfriend on the day they were supposed to take a paternity test.
The Maricopa County Attorney’s Office announced Feb. 7 that Antwaun Ware pleaded guilty to first-degree felony murder and endangerment in connection with the death of Jasmine Dunbar. He subsequently received a life sentence.
According to prosecutors, in March 2018, a couple discovered a 7-month-old infant in a car seat on the side of the road while driving near 83rd Avenue and Camelback Road. Dunbar’s ID and other belongings were also near the baby. Upon further investigation, Phoenix Police learned that on that same day, Ware and Dunbar were going to take a paternity test.
Detectives determined Ware drove to a field near 107th Avenue and Camelback Road and killed Dunbar before setting her body on fire.
According to the Arizona Republic, Ware admitted to police that he assaulted Dunbar during an argument in the car, then left the baby near the road because he hoped someone would find her.
Police used Ware’s cellphone data to track down the location of Dunbar’s charred remains.
County Attorney Rachel Mitchell said, “This defendant’s callous actions have no place in our community. Thanks to the hard work of my prosecutors, he will live the rest of his life behind bars. To the people who rescued this baby, I say thank you. This child is alive today because of your heroic actions.”