Judge Drops Charge Against Father in 2017 Death of Toddler

PORT GIBSON, Miss. (AP) — A choose on Monday dropped a capital homicide cost towards a Mississippi man after prosecutors stated they lacked sufficient proof to attempt him within the 2017 demise of his 14-month-old daughter.

Morris Bevily IV of Claiborne County stated Circuit Choose Tomika Harris-Irving’s determination to drop the cost towards him was a “blessing from the Lord,” WLBT-TV reported.

Bevily was indicted on capital homicide in 2019 for the demise of Jurayah Smith, and he had pleaded not responsible.

His spouse, T’Kia Bevily, the kid’s stepmother, was additionally charged with capital homicide. Final month, a jury discovered her not responsible.

Assistant District Lawyer Patrick E. Beasley on Might 27 filed a movement to dismiss the cost towards Morris Bevily. Investigators stated Jurayah died from blunt-force trauma to her head.

Bevily stated Monday described the previous few years as a “wrestle,” however stated he tried to stay optimistic and assured. He stated he’s grieving the lack of his daughter.

“On the finish of the day, when you’ve accomplished no incorrect, these issues don’t have an effect on you a similar method,” he stated. “When you’re harmless, when all you probably did was love and provides like to your kids and others round you — outdoors opinions, they only don’t matter as a lot.”

Copyright 2022 The Related Press. All rights reserved. This materials will not be revealed, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.