Mother And Her Boyfriend Facing Capital Murder Charges In Death Of 1-Year-Old Boy
Police in Mississippi has issued a capital murder warrant for the mother of a 1-year-old boy and a man believed to be her boyfriend in connection with the child’s death, according to reports.
Jackson Police Chief, Joseph Wade said 29-year-old Yolanda Hunter surrendered to police Friday, December 22.
She was initially charged with felony child abuse. 33-year-old Herman Coleman who is also known as Herman Gardner, was also being sought on the same charges. On Saturday, JPD announced charges had been upgraded to Capital Murder.
“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, Dec. 21 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.
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.
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