Mother convicted of son's death found dead in Bedford Hills prison

Manuela Morgado, who was serving a life sentence for her son's death, was found dead in her prison cell. The cause of death is currently under investigation.
By Newsroom | Crime, New York |

MANUELA MORGADO, the woman convicted of smothering her 4-year-old son, Jason "Jake" Reish, was found dead in her cell at the Bedford Hills Correctional Facility. State officials confirmed her death on Wednesday. The cause and specific details surrounding Morgado's demise remain under investigation, according to the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision.

Mother Convicted of Suffocating Her 4-Year-Old with a Pillow Found Dead in Prison - 1

Morgado, 60, was serving a sentence of 20 years to life after being found guilty of second-degree murder in the 2012 death of her son. The prosecution detailed how Morgado first administered pills, identified as Benadryl, before ultimately suffocating the child with a pillow. During police interviews, Morgado reportedly stated her intention was for her son's death to be "quick and peaceful so we could be happy together forever."

Mother Convicted of Suffocating Her 4-Year-Old with a Pillow Found Dead in Prison - 2

The incident occurred amidst a bitter custody battle between Morgado and her ex-fiancé, Timothy Reish. Authorities have not released further information regarding the circumstances of Morgado's death within the correctional facility. The District Attorney's office has conveyed that their "hearts remain with Jason Reish’s family, who continue to grieve the loss of their beloved son."

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Background of the Case

Manuela Morgado's conviction stemmed from the death of her son, Jake, in 2012. Reports indicate she smothered the 4-year-old with a pillow. At the time of the crime, Morgado and Jake's father, Timothy Reish, were engaged in a contentious dispute over custody of their son. Morgado pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and received a sentence of 20 years to life. Her death in prison now opens a new investigative phase into the events leading to her final moments. The case has also drawn commentary regarding the challenges faced by incarcerated individuals with mental health issues and the responsibilities of the criminal justice system in providing care.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who was found dead in Bedford Hills Correctional Facility on Wednesday?
Manuela Morgado, the woman convicted of killing her 4-year-old son Jake Reish, was found dead in her prison cell. State officials confirmed her death on Wednesday.
Q: What was Manuela Morgado convicted of?
Manuela Morgado was convicted of second-degree murder for smothering her son, Jake Reish, in 2012. She was serving a sentence of 20 years to life.
Q: When did the death of Manuela Morgado's son occur?
The death of Manuela Morgado's son, Jake Reish, occurred in 2012. He was 4 years old when he died.
Q: What is the cause of Manuela Morgado's death?
The cause and specific details surrounding Manuela Morgado's death are still under investigation by the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision.
Q: Were there any other factors in the case of Jake Reish's death?
Yes, at the time of the crime, Manuela Morgado and Jake's father, Timothy Reish, were in a bitter custody battle. The prosecution detailed Morgado's actions leading to her son's death.