The mother of a one-year-old who was beaten to death and an acquaintance are facing charges for the child’s passing.
Jackson Police Chief Joseph Wade reports that Yolanda Hunter and 33-year-old Herman Coleman are being charged with felony child abuse for the death of the infant. Those charges are expected to be elevated to capital murder after an investigation and autopsy are finalized.
JPD responded to a call Thursday morning at Sunset Apartments involving an unresponsive one-year-old. The baby was discovered bruised up and in critical condition.
Officers and medical professionals arrived at the scene around 10 a.m. and immediately transported the child to the University of Mississippi Medical Center for treatment. The infant was pronounced dead shortly after arriving at the hospital.
Wade believes the abuse against the infant had been taking place prior to when the department was notified on Thursday.
Hunter will soon be taken into custody, per Wade. Coleman’s whereabouts are currently unknown. Coleman was reportedly near the child when the baby stopped breathing. JPD is working with federal authorities to have the suspect located.
Child Protective Services was called because there were four other children in the apartment unit. Authorities are working to find out if the children had also been abused.