Antwaun Ware, 27, was sentenced to life in prison after pleading guilty to murdering his ex-girlfriend, Jasmine Dunbar, and abandoning her infant daughter.
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The Crime: How a Paternity Test Led to Murder
The Night of the Incident
On March 6, 2018, a couple driving in Phoenix, Arizona, made a disturbing discovery. A 7-month-old baby was found alone in a car seat on the side of the road at approximately 10 p.m. Nearby, police uncovered personal belongings, including a wallet, diaper bag, backpack, and a single adult shoe, all belonging to Jasmine Dunbar. Investigators quickly identified Antwaun Ware as the prime suspect.
According to reports, Ware’s godmother revealed that she had planned to take him for a paternity test that day. During questioning, Ware initially claimed that he had picked up Dunbar and her baby earlier that day but dropped them off after an argument. However, his story soon changed.
Antwaun Ware’s Confession
He later admitted to returning to the crime scene, where Dunbar’s burned body was found in an open field. Shockingly, Ware set her on fire using a cigarette, attempting to cover his tracks. He also admitted that he considered returning for the baby, but after spotting police nearby, he fled the scene instead.
Ware was initially arrested on suspicion of first-degree murder, kidnapping, child abuse, and the abandonment of a body, according to TOO FAB.
Ware’s Guilty Plea and Sentencing
Facing overwhelming evidence, Ware pleaded guilty to first-degree murder and endangerment. In February 2024, he was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Prosecutors emphasized the brutality of the crime, highlighting that Ware murdered Dunbar, abandoned his daughter, and attempted to destroy evidence.