An appalling case has emerged in court where a heartless mother and father callously brought their lifeless nine-day-old daughter to the hospital and laughed, despite being responsible for her fatal injuries.
Hilary Johnson II, 24, received a 19-year prison term, and Z’ibreyea S. Parker, 22, was sentenced to 10 years on Friday, October 31. They had earlier pleaded guilty to charges linked to the tragic death of their newborn daughter, I’ijayah Johnson.
The shocking incident occurred on May 4, 2024, when Johnson and Parker arrived at the Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters with Iijayah, who was unresponsive and cold. They falsely claimed that the baby had fallen from her stroller two days prior while Johnson was jogging.
Medical staff quickly realized that Iijayah’s injuries did not match the parents’ story. Prosecutors highlighted the disturbing behavior of the couple at the hospital, including their inability to provide accurate information about their daughter and their inappropriate laughter during the check-in process.
Reports from local news sources revealed that Parker downplayed the severity of Iijayah’s injuries and attempted to justify their actions. Medical examinations showed severe burns on the baby’s feet, as well as cuts, bruises, and other signs of abuse on her body.
Following a thorough investigation, Norfolk Police determined that Iijayah died from blunt trauma to her head and torso, with the burns on her feet contributing to her demise. The autopsy also uncovered multiple internal injuries and broken ribs, indicating a pattern of abuse that could not be explained by a simple fall.
In a plea agreement, Johnson admitted to second-degree murder, while Parker pleaded guilty to child abuse involving serious harm. The murder charge against Parker and a child abuse charge against Johnson were dropped as part of the deal.
Attorney Ramin Fatehi expressed the vulnerability of newborn victims like Iijayah and emphasized the importance of seeking justice for those who cannot speak for themselves. The grandfather of the deceased baby had previously raised concerns about Johnson and Parker’s parenting abilities, indicating missed opportunities to prevent the tragedy.
The couple, who struggled with mental health issues and lived in challenging conditions, declined assistance after Iijayah’s birth, despite being offered a place to stay. Johnson Sr. expressed disbelief at the turn of events, hoping for a better life for his granddaughter before her tragic death.
