Georgia – A Georgia parent was found guilty of multiple charges, including felony murder, aggravated battery, and first-degree cruelty to children, in the death of his baby, KamiIa. The conviction came after a trial in which prosecutors presented evidence of violent injuries inflicted on the infant.
In November 2019, the parent, later identified as 29-year-old KhaIiq, took his unresponsive 2-month-old baby to the local hospital, where she was pronounced dead. Authorities in Georgia later revealed that the victim’s mother had dropped off the baby at the man’s apartment the day before.
The 29-year-old defendant claimed he was playing with his baby by tossing her into the air and catching her. He claimed that during one of these moments, he felt her side enter and heard wheezing.
He put her to bed around 10 p.m. and then discovered her unresponsive around 2 a.m., at which point she refused to take a bottle or pacifier. He checked on her again around 6 a.m. before transporting her to the hospital.
A search warrant on the defendant’s phone revealed that around 2 a.m., he searched the internet for’symptoms of broken ribs in children’. An autopsy on the baby revealed that she had multiple rib fractures, a lacerated artery, and bleeding and swelling of the brain. Medical experts testified that the injuries were consistent with violent squeezing and shaking.
The trial included testimony from the Assistant District Attorney and Managing Assistant District Attorney, as well as assistance from the DA’s investigators. Treena, the Victim Witness Advocate, was instrumental in the case. The County Medical Examiner’s Office, the local police department, and the county police all contributed significantly to the case’s resolution.
After 10 hours of deliberation, 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 his condolences to the family, saying, “We mourn with the family of the deceased child.” It is a tragedy that an infant was killed. We hope that the outcome of this trial will allow the victim’s family to heal.”
This case emphasizes the importance of maintaining vigilance and responding appropriately to signs of child abuse. The conviction serves as a reminder of the serious consequences of child abuse and the justice system’s commitment to holding perpetrators accountable.