Keara Sade Cotton, 31, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and concealing the death of her 3-year-old son, Jayceion Mathis, and was sentenced to 25 years on Feb. 4 — the day he would have turned nine. Jayceion reportedly died in November 2021; his wrapped remains were found behind a shopping center in early 2022. DFCS had attempted multiple welfare checks before Cotton was located and arrested in January 2022. The medical examiner could not determine the exact cause of death due to decomposition, and records indicate Cotton had a prior history involving child neglect.
Georgia Mother Sentenced to 25 Years After 3-Year-Old Son’s 2021 Death; Ruling Delivered on His Would‑Be Ninth Birthday
Jayceion Mathisgeorgia.gov
A Georgia woman has been sentenced to 25 years in prison after pleading guilty to second-degree murder and concealing the death of her 3-year-old son, Jayceion Mathis. The sentence was handed down on Feb. 4 — the day Jayceion would have turned nine.
Keara Sade Cotton, 31, admitted to the charges in connection with the child’s death in November 2021, the Cordele District Attorney’s office said. Prosecutors say Cotton wrapped Jayceion’s body in a shopping bag and a shower curtain and left it behind a shopping center. The remains were discovered in early 2022.
Jayceion Mathisgeorgia.gov
"February 4th should have been filled with birthday candles for Jayceion. Instead, it became the day justice answered for his life," District Attorney Brad Rigby said in a statement. "Only 3 years old. No voice. No way to protect himself. That responsibility fell to the justice system — and it did not look away."
Investigation and Background
Local child welfare officials with the Georgia Department of Family and Children Services (DFCS) had attempted multiple welfare checks before Jayceion’s remains were found, but were unable to locate Cotton. Family members had also reported the boy missing after they had not seen him for several months. Cotton was located and arrested in January 2022.
At the time of her arrest, Cotton told investigators she woke one day in November 2021 and found Jayceion not breathing. Instead of calling authorities, she said she wrapped his body and kept it in her home, according to court records.
Vienna, Georgia, police vehicleVienna Police Department/Facebook
Medical Findings and Previous Records
The medical examiner could not determine a precise cause of death because the remains were too badly decomposed. Records cited by DFCS and local outlets indicate Cotton had a prior history involving child neglect and abuse. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation led the initial probe into the case.
Legal Outcome
Cotton pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and concealing the death, and the court imposed a 25-year prison sentence. The District Attorney’s office framed the sentencing date as an act of accountability on what would have been Jayceion’s ninth birthday.
This case drew attention from regional news organizations and underscores ongoing concerns about child welfare checks and intervention when families are reported missing or at risk.
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