Post by Scumhunter on Dec 26, 2023 16:29:13 GMT -5
(Above photo credit: wapt.com)
From wapt.com:
JACKSON, Miss. —
Chief Joseph Wade said the mother of a 1-year-old and a man believed to be her boyfriend are facing charges in the child's death.
Yolanda Hunter, 29, surrendered to police Friday afternoon and is charged with felony child abuse. Wade said 33-year-old Herman Coleman, who is also known as Herman Gardner, is being sought on the same charges.
"Based on the investigation and evidence, we believe this is something that has progressed over time. It's not a one-time event," Wades said.
Wade said a neighbor called police at about 10 a.m. Thursday about the child, who was unresponsive at Sunset Plaza Apartments on Sunset Drive. The chief said the baby was taken to the University of Mississippi Medical Center, where he died. Hinds County Coroner Sharon Grisham Stewart identified the baby as Prodigy Hunter.
"(Coleman) was in possession, or in close proximity of the child shortly before the child stopped breathing," Wade said. "He brought the neighbor to the attention that the child was suffering. The child was having a problem breathing or eating, and he left. He left. And to me, and I don't usually use these types of words, that was very cowardice of him."
Wade said the baby had "a massive amount of trauma" and bruises all over his body.
"The officer couldn't even look me in the face when he was describing what this child looked like," Wade said. "It's very traumatizing when you see stuff like that in our city."
The boy's mother was questioned Thursday afternoon at JPD headquarters and later released, Wade said. Investigators spoke with the Hinds County District Attorney's office and, on Friday, issued warrants for her arrest and that of Coleman.
"When you're aware that your child is being abused — whether you are a party to it, or whether you have knowledge of it — you have a responsibility," Wade said.
Charges are expected to be upgraded to capital murder once the autopsy is complete, according to the chief.
Wade said Yolanda Hunter's other four children are now in the custody of the Mississippi Department of Child Protective Services. The chief said JPD is working with CPS to determine if the other children have signs of abuse.
www.wapt.com/amp/article/baby-beaten-to-death-jpd-questioning-mother-seeking-suspects/46203137
Thoughts? As far as I can tell, Coleman aka Gardner is still at large as of today’s posting date (December 26th, 2023), since the above article is from only four days ago with no updates about a capture that I could find online since. However if anyone ever has any updates before we find out first they are always more than welcome to let us know. Also in what is a frustrating theme lately the article provides absolutely no information as to who you’re supposed to contact if you know Coleman’s whereabouts however I know Mississippi Coast Crime Stoppers is the anonymous tip line for Jackson so it’s probably a good place to start:
www.mscoastcrimestoppers.com/sitemenu.aspx?ID=523&
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