On November 25, 2020, at around 4:30 p.m., a woman called 911 to report her neighbor’s house was on fire. The fire department quickly responded to the scene of the modest ranch-style home and found heavy smoke billowing from inside.
Amidst the chaos, firefighters searched through the debris and discovered the body of 27-year-old Melissa Lamesch, who was nine months pregnant. She was found lying on the kitchen floor.
The community of Mt. Morris, Illinois, was left in shock by the news of Melissa’s death. She had recently moved in with her father, Gus, to prepare for the arrival of her baby. The case, which has drawn attention, will feature in an episode of People Magazine Investigates, titled "Inferno of Lies," airing on December 30 at 9/8c on ID.
Initially, authorities considered the possibility that Melissa, an EMT, might have died from natural causes related to her pregnancy or from inhaling smoke while having a medical emergency. However, the investigation took a dark turn when the coroner determined Melissa had been strangled.
“This was completely unexpected,” expressed Melissa’s sister, Cassie. “Melissa didn’t have any enemies.”
As the investigation progressed, the focus shifted to Matthew Plote, a firefighter and paramedic. Melissa and Matthew had known each other since their college days in 2013 and initially had a casual relationship, but things changed drastically when Melissa learned she was pregnant.
Melissa confided in her family that Plote wanted nothing to do with the baby and that she would raise her child alone. “I thought she was better off,” said Cassie. “She was strong and could handle it.”
On the day of the incident, Cassie was on the phone with her sister when Plote unexpectedly arrived at Melissa’s home for the second time in days. “She looked out the window and was shocked to see him,” Cassie recalled. “She said she would make it quick and let me know what he wanted.”
Sadly, that was the last conversation Cassie had with her sister. Authorities later stated that Plote admitted to being at Melissa’s house but denied any involvement in her death.
About a year and a half after Melissa’s tragic passing, in March 2022, Plote was arrested on multiple charges, including murder and arson. During his trial in March 2024, prosecutors argued that his actions stemmed from a desire to avoid fatherhood.
On March 22, he was found guilty. Following the trial, Melissa’s family spoke out about their devastating loss. Her mother, Deanna Lamesch, reflected on how the tragedy occurred the day before Thanksgiving and just two days before Melissa’s baby was due. “How do you come back from that?” she remarked.
In June 2024, Plote received a life sentence in prison. The episode of People Magazine Investigates covering this heartbreaking case will air soon, shedding light on the complexities of this tragic event.
