Stepfather Charged In Death Of 3-Year-Old Who Suffered ‘Heinous' Sexual Assault And Brutal Beating
A Georgia stepfather and mother were arrested after a 3-year-old girl—who was sexually abused and beaten—died in an Atlanta hospital.
On the morning of May 13, Janiyah Armanie Brooks’ parents called the Albany Police Department and reported the child was unresponsive. When police arrived at the home, 20-year-old Gregory Parker told police his stepdaughter was unconscious, but he did not provide any other details, reported WSB-TV.
Medics rushed the girl to an Atlanta-area hospital while the police department’s Family Protection Unit and the Department of Family and Children Services opened an investigation into Janiya’s injuries.
According to an Albany Police Department press release, the investigation revealed Janiyah was the victim of a "heinous" crime, including sexual assault and physical abuse.
"The child had injuries to her vaginal area, ribs, along with swollen hands and unknown trauma to her head," a press release reads. "She appeared to have old wounds as well."
Four days later, while the girl was still attached to a ventilator, Parker was arrested and charged with rape, aggravated child molestation, aggravated sodomy, aggravated battery, and first-degree child cruelty, the police department said in a press release.
While questioning the girl’s mother, 19-year-old Crystal Brooks, investigators determined she not only knew about the alleged abuse but was also present at the time.
Crystal Brooks faces party of a crime charges on the following counts: aggravated battery, battery, first-degree child cruelty and giving a false statement initially.
On May 19, Albany Police announced Janiyah passed away from her injuries.
The case is still under investigation.
