A chilling police bodycam video has captured the moment Pammy Maye, 48, confessed to murdering her five-year-old foster son Darnell Taylor and disposing of his body in a storm sewer in Columbus, Ohio. The incident occurred on the evening of February 13, when Maye allegedly discovered Darnell eating snacks in bed. Infuriated, she decided to punish him by suffocating him to death, according to the Columbus Dispatch.
Maye's husband alerted authorities by calling 911, reporting that his wife had killed the boy. Darnell's body was found on February 16, ending a desperate search. Maye was arrested on February 15 and subsequently confessed in hospital while speaking with police. In the footage, she repeatedly states that she took her son's life, showing little emotion as she details the act.
Maye explained that she planned the murder after Darnell sneaked snacks into his bed. She went into his bedroom and began suffocating him; he fought back briefly before stopping. She admitted the act was premeditated but claimed it was not done immediately. After the killing, she hid the body in a closet before dumping it in a storm drain later.
Maye's attorney, Sam Shamansky, has not disputed the confession but emphasised that her mental state at the time of the offence may be relevant. Her legal team is seeking a private mental evaluation. Darnell had been placed with Maye in May 2023 by his biological grandfather, who said caring for the boy had become too burdensome. Maye later cut off contact with the family.
Maye has pleaded not guilty to all charges and is scheduled to appear in court on April 25.
