MT. MORRIS, Ill. — The afternoon of Nov. 25, 2020, turned to tragedy when emergency calls reported a house ablaze in the small community of Mt. Morris, Illinois.
Inside the ranch-style home engulfed in smoke, firefighters found the body of Melissa Lamesch, a 27-year-old pregnant EMT.
Lamesch, who was nine months pregnant and days away from giving birth, had recently moved back to her hometown to live with her father, Gus, and prepare for motherhood, according to People Magazine. Her sudden death is now at the center of the documentary episode, “Inferno of Lies,” which recently aired on Investigation Discovery as part of the People Magazine Investigate series.
Initially, authorities speculated that Lamesch might have succumbed to natural causes or smoke inhalation, however, autopsy results revealed the true cause of death: strangulation.
Suspicion soon fell on Matthew Plote, a former Carol Stream Fire District firefighter-EMT, with whom Melissa had a complicated relationship, according to People.
Lamesch’s sister, Cassie, recalled a phone conversation she had with Lamesch on the day she died that was cut short by Plote’s unexpected arrival. Though Plote was present at the house that day, he denied any involvement in Melissa’s death, according to People.
In March 2024, after a lengthy investigation and trial, the court delivered its verdict. Plote was convicted of murder, homicide of an unborn child and arson. Prosecutors had argued that Plote killed Lamesch because he had no interest in becoming a father, according to People.
The sentencing in June 2024 brought little solace to Lamesch’s family. Her mother, Deanna Lamesch, shared her grief in court, noting the poignant timing of their loss — the day before Thanksgiving and just two days before the baby was due.
Plote was sentenced to life in prison.
Catch the full story on “People Magazine Investigates: Inferno of Lies,” airing on Investigation Discovery.
CBS’ 48 Hours also aired an episode about the case. “The Firefighter’s Secret” features interviews with Carol Stream Fire Chief Rob Schultz, investigators and Lamesch’s family members.
