A Mother Accused

48 Hours

On May 1, 1999, the adopted son of Paulette and Kelly Welch died at their home in Idaho Falls, ID. Paulette Welch was charged with first-degree murder and took a plea bargain requiring a guilty plea to the lesser charge of injuring a child. Kelly was never charged. This report also includes the cases of Mary Weaver and Denise Rhode, both of whom were charged with causing a child’s death by shaking. Weaver was eventually acquitted and Rhode was convicted of first degree murder and child endangerment. Rhode remains in prison. "48 Hours" correspondents Susan Spencer and Richard Schlesinger report. This classic "48 Hours" episode last aired on 9/7/2001. Watch all-new episodes of “48 Hours” on Saturdays, and stream on demand on Paramount+.

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