Iowa Couple Accused of Lacing Lasagna with Opioids to Induce Miscarriage
In a shocking case from Iowa, two individuals have been accused of delivering a lasagna laced with narcotics to a pregnant woman with the intention of causing a miscarriage. The suspects, Matthew Uthoff, aged 35, and his wife, Amber Dena Snow, aged 36, are facing serious legal repercussions for their alleged actions.
Details of the Alleged Crime
According to law enforcement reports, the incident occurred in December 2025. Uthoff and Snow are charged with delivering a controlled substance and purposefully terminating a human pregnancy without the knowledge and voluntary consent of the pregnant individual. The lasagna was reportedly spiked with oxycodone, a powerful opioid, and given to the victim unknowingly.
Court records, as cited by WHO-TV, an NBC News affiliate, indicate that the couple discussed the tainted lasagna in several phone messages and conversations with investigators. The Des Moines Register reported that Snow, who shares custody of her child with the victim's relatives, had her minor child present during the delivery. Notably, the child objected to the plan, adding a disturbing layer to the case.
Investigation and Evidence
The Winneshiek County Sheriff's Office and the Winneshiek County Attorney's Office initiated an investigation in January after receiving a tip about the lasagna. KGAN reported that a sample of the dish tested by the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation's criminalistics laboratory confirmed the presence of oxycodone. The victim, who was unaware of the attempt to terminate her pregnancy, has been at the center of this troubling investigation.
Legal Proceedings and Custody
Uthoff was arrested on Thursday, while Snow was taken into custody on March 10. Both are currently being held in the Winneshiek County Jail. Snow is on a $100,000 cash bond, and Uthoff is on a $38,000 cash or surety bond. The Winneshiek County Sheriff's Office has not provided immediate comment in response to inquiries from the Guardian.
This case highlights severe allegations of drug-related crime and reproductive coercion in Iowa, underscoring the ongoing challenges with opioid misuse and legal protections for pregnant individuals.
