TRAGIC MURDER OF TWO-YEAR-OLD MACEY HOGAN BY CODY ANNE JACKSON IN STOKE-ON-TRENT

In a heartbreaking case that has shocked the community of Stoke-on-Trent, a young mother named Cody Anne Jackson was convicted of the murder of her two-year-old daughter, Macey Hogan. The tragic events unfolded on October 10, 2016, when Jackson, then just 19 years old and residing in Fenton, Stoke-on-Trent, committed an act of unimaginable cruelty that would leave her family and the local community devastated.

Jackson was found to have suffocated Macey by smothering her with a towel or cloth, an act that was carried out in their home. The morning of the incident saw police officers breaking into the residence after Jackson had called 999, reporting that her daughter was not breathing. When authorities arrived, they discovered Macey's lifeless body lying on the floor of a bedroom, with her mother nearby attempting CPR. Jackson herself was found with superficial injuries to her chest, neck, and wrists, indicating she had attempted to harm herself.

Prior to the tragic event, Jackson had sent a disturbing message to Macey’s father, Paul Hogan, 22, along with a photograph of the young girl. The message read, “Savour the last ever picture… possibly see you in court,” suggesting a premeditated intent or at least a chilling farewell. Additionally, Jackson had left a suicide note stating, “There’s nothing for me or Macey, life’s shit,” revealing her state of despair and emotional turmoil.

During the trial at Stafford Crown Court, Jackson initially denied the murder charge but later changed her plea to guilty. The court heard that she had claimed to have woken up to find Macey’s body lying between two pillows in their bed, a version of events that was contradicted by evidence from pathologists. Medical experts testified that Macey’s death was most likely caused by suffocation or pressure applied to her neck, with signs of widespread hemorrhaging on her face, eyes, and eyelids, indicating a violent and fatal interruption of oxygen flow.

Judge Michael Chambers QC, the Recorder of Stafford, addressed Jackson directly, condemning her actions as “wicked and appalling.” He acknowledged her courage in pleading guilty but emphasized the gravity of her crime, especially considering that she was a mother responsible for her child's protection. The judge pointed out that Jackson’s actions appeared to be driven by her anger and resentment towards Paul Hogan, following their breakup a week prior. The court was told that Jackson had been angry and resentful, which contributed to her decision to kill Macey.

Furthermore, the court learned that Jackson had attempted to take her own life, leaving a note that read, “I sit here thinking about killing my own daughter and then killing myself. I do not want to leave her behind but I can’t go on either. There is nothing for me or Macey.” This act of self-harm was seen as an expression of her emotional distress and a reflection of her mental state at the time.

Jackson’s sentencing was scheduled for July 27, with a life imprisonment sentence with a minimum term of 16 years and 114 days. The court’s decision underscores the severity of her crime and the profound loss suffered by Macey’s family. Staffordshire Police also released a recording of the harrowing 999 call made by Jackson after the murder, capturing the distress and chaos of that tragic morning.

In the aftermath, Paul Hogan, Macey’s father, was too overwhelmed to comment publicly. The case remains a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of familial violence and the importance of mental health awareness. The community continues to mourn the loss of Macey Hogan, a bright young girl whose life was tragically cut short by her own mother’s actions in Stoke-on-Trent.