Love rat killed pregnant wife with a mallet
New UK|September 05, 2022
Jennifer Rothwell was delighted about their baby, but her husband felt differently
GAIL SHORTLAND
Love rat killed pregnant wife with a mallet

After trying unsuccessfully for a baby with husband Beau for several months, a concerned Jennifer Rothwell was eventually diagnosed with endometriosis. But although she worried that her dream of having children could now be in jeopardy, a determined Jennifer, 28, refused to give up.

It was late 2018 and the couple had been married for almost four years. They both had an engineering background and met as lab partners at the University of Missouri. They’d settled in St Louis, Missouri, where Beau worked as a project manager and Jennifer as a chemical engineer.

But she really longed to start her own family. In the following months the couple continued to try to conceive. Rothwell would later say it took the “spark” out of their marriage as they tracked fertility cycles and took temperatures. Sex had started to feel like a chore.

Then, in September 2019, Jennifer was delighted to discover she was pregnant. She started planning the nursery, discussing names and organising a pregnancy calendar so they could track the size of the baby. But on 12 November, when she was about six weeks pregnant, Beau reported his wife as missing.

He said she’d left for work that morning and he hadn’t heard from her since. Her car was found abandoned a few miles away. She had disappeared during a snowstorm and there were fears for her safety. Rothwell sent messages to his wife’s mobile, distributed “missing” leaflets and joined relatives and colleagues in the search for her. He also pleaded for help on social media.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM NEW UKView all
TAKE CARE OF YOUR GUT
New UK

TAKE CARE OF YOUR GUT

Simple lifestyle and dietary changes can improve digestion, boost immunity and enhance your overall wellbeing

time-read
3 mins  |
November 18, 2024
Mum found murdered daughter in the bathroom of her girl's violent ex
New UK

Mum found murdered daughter in the bathroom of her girl's violent ex

Mirelle Mateus eventually broke away from her abusive relationship, but Aaron Romo wasn't prepared to accept it was over

time-read
5 mins  |
November 18, 2024
'The win changed our lives for the better'
New UK

'The win changed our lives for the better'

While most people would regard a lottery windfall as the best news ever, for others it can lead them on a downward spiral

time-read
3 mins  |
November 18, 2024
Struggling in silence
New UK

Struggling in silence

With many men still finding it hard to talk about their mental health, the Movember charity warns that suicide is on the rise

time-read
2 mins  |
November 18, 2024
"I was really suffering — I fainted on set"
New UK

"I was really suffering — I fainted on set"

MAFS UK's Lacey Martin on her time on the show and her battle with endometriosis

time-read
4 mins  |
November 18, 2024
'My dream show would be I'm A Celebrity'
New UK

'My dream show would be I'm A Celebrity'

Bake Off finalist Ruby Bhogal tells us about her \"big fat Indian wedding\" and why she'd be great in the jungle

time-read
5 mins  |
November 18, 2024
'If I have had a laugh, I'm winning at life
New UK

'If I have had a laugh, I'm winning at life

This Morning's Josie Gibson tells new about stealing food on I'm A Celeb and who she can't wait to watch this year

time-read
4 mins  |
November 18, 2024
Stacey's 'pact' with Mrs Hinch
New UK

Stacey's 'pact' with Mrs Hinch

Cleaning guru Mrs Hinch's third pregnancy could lead to a 'baby pact' with her good friend Stacey Solomon, a source tells new - and new career opportunities

time-read
3 mins  |
November 18, 2024
Meghan fears Harry having to exit US
New UK

Meghan fears Harry having to exit US

The Sussexes are worried about incoming president Donald Trump's vow to consider deporting Harry over his visa drama and previous drug use, a source tells new

time-read
3 mins  |
November 18, 2024
'Our son is my harshest restaurant critic'
New UK

'Our son is my harshest restaurant critic'

Chef Jean-Christophe Novelli and his wife Michelle talk about how technology is helping their youngest son

time-read
5 mins  |
November 18, 2024