DOTHAN, Ala. (WTVY) -A guilty plea that appeared to end one of Dothan’s most disturbing infant death cases could unravel over an alleged courtroom procedural error.

Jakayla Williams pleaded guilty to capital murder on Sept. 14 and was sentenced to life in prison without parole in the death of her newborn son.

Days later, Williams filed a handwritten motion claiming her attorneys coerced her into taking the plea. Houston County Circuit Judge Henry D. “Butch” Binford almost immediately appointed new attorneys.

In their motion filed this week, attorneys Manish Patel and Christopher Sledge argued there is a larger issue. They allege the court never ruled Williams competent to stand trial after her competency was questioned — a procedural step required. They also claim Binford failed to advise Williams of her right to appeal.

Woman admits she toss her newborn into dumpster

This case stunned Dothan in 2023, when police said they found Williams’ infant son at the city landfill after she threw him in an apartment complex compactor dumpster that was transported to the landfill. Prosecutors say the baby was alive when she tossed him.

Williams was 18 at the time. Investigators say her family became suspicious after she told them she had surrendered the child at a Dothan hospital.

Guilty pleas are rarely thrown out, but legal experts who spoke strictly on background say this challenge may have merit, and they believe a new trial could be granted.

Williams’ move could backfire. If Williams is allowed to withdraw her plea and is convicted at trial, jurors could impose the death penalty — the only other punishment allowed in a capital case besides life without parole.

Williams would also remain jailed without bond pending a trail if she is granted one.

Binford has set a hearing for Nov. 10.

Download the WTVY News4 app to get alerts and stories the moment they are published. Available for FREE in the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store!

Copyright 2026 WTVY. All rights reserved