Georgia – A Georgia parent was convicted of multiple charges, including feIony murder, aggravated battery, and first-degree crueIty to chiIdren in the death of his baby, KamiIa. The conviction follows a trial where prosecutors presented evidence of vioIent injuries inflicted upon the infant.
In Nov. 2019, the parent, later identified as 29-year-old KhaIiq, transported his unresponsive 2-month-old baby to the local hospital, where she was pronounced dead upon arrival. Authorities in Georgia later revealed that the vicitm’s mother had dropped the baby off at the man’s apartment the previous day.
The 29-year-old defendant claimed he had been playing with his baby, tosing her into the air and catching her. He stated that during one of these moments, he felt her side go in and heard wheezing. He put her to bed around 10 p.m. and later found her unresponsive around 2 a.m., at which point she would not take a bottle or pacifier. He checked on her again around 6 a.m. before taking her to the hospital.
A search warrant of the defendant’s phone revealed that around 2 a.m., he searched for ‘symptoms of broken ribs in children’ on the internet. An autopsy conducted on the baby showed that she had suffered multiple rib fractures, a Iacerated Iiver, and bIeeding and swelling of the brain. Medical experts testified that these injuries were consistent with being violently squeezed and shaken.
The trial included testimony from Assistant District Attorney and Managing Assistant District Attorney, with assistance from DA’s Investigators. Victim Witness Advocate Treena was instrumental in the case. The County Medical Examiner’s Office, the local police department, and the county police were also invaluable to closing the case.
After deliberating for 10 hours, the jury returned guilty verdicts on all charges. The defendant was sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole. District Attorney Gatson expressed condolences to the family, stating, “We grieve with the family of the deceased child. This is a tragedy that an infant’s life was taken. We pray that the outcome of this trial will help the victim’s family heal.”
This case highlights the importance of vigilance and the need for appropriate responses to signs of child abuse. The conviction serves as a reminder of the severe consequences of child maltreatment and the justice system’s commitment to holding perpetrators accountable.