By CINDY BISHOP
cindy.bishop@gaflnews.com
CORDELE — Two people charged with murdering a 16-day-old infant in the fall of 2007 were indicted by a Crisp County grand jury earlier this month and are scheduled to appear in Crisp Superior Court on March 13.
The baby’s uncle, Steve Lee Williams Jr., who was 19 when he was arrested in late September, and his girlfriend, 23-year-old Shameka Nicole Williams, both of 601-B E. Sixth Ave. were arrested in connection with the murder of the infant. They were charged with one count each of murder, felony murder and cruelty to children in the first degree.
The charges were the result of an investigation that began on Aug. 9, 2007 by detectives with the Cordele Police Department. Det. Charlie McDowell responded to Crisp Regional Hospital in reference to a reported case of child abuse, possibly shaken baby syndrome.
Authorities with the Crisp County Department of Family and Children Services met with the detective and informed him that the baby had been beaten and was suffering from brain injuries.
The baby was on life-support and was later transferred to a hospital in Macon, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
During his investigation, McDowell learned from the child’s mother that her baby had been left in the care of her brother and his girlfriend.
Agents with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation were called in to assist with the investigation which revealed the baby died as a result of abuse.
Another case scheduled to be heard is that of the State of Georgia vs. Marque Shamar Palmer, who in June of 2007, ran from police. He was caught and found to be in possession of some 15 pounds of marijuana.
As a result of this incident, Palmer was charged with trafficking in marijuana, driving an improperly equipped vehicle, disobeying a traffic control device, reckless driving and fleeing or attempting to elude police officers.
According to District Attorney Denise Fachini, two trials were held this past week before the honorable Judge Robert W. Chasteen.
Fredrick McCloud was sentenced to 50 years in prison with 30 to serve on several cases, one of the most recent being that he and another inmate attempted to smuggle drugs into the county jail.
He was being held there on prior charges of aggravated assault in connection to a drive-by shooting and several drug charges.
Also, Rodriguez Johnson was sentenced to five years, three to serve, for a felony obstruction of an officer charge involving Crisp County Sheriff’s Deputy Kenny Purvis. Johnson also had several prior arrests on various charges.
Local news
Two indicted for murder in 2007 death of infant
- Local news
-
-
Spring expressions contest
Crisp County High Interact sponsored a “spring expressions” contest.
-
Help keep Cordele clean
City of Cordele officials and staff are moving ahead in their efforts to make the community an inviting and pleasant place to visit and live.
-
Trio cited for shoplifting at three stores
Two Floridians and a local resident were all charged with shoplifting Tuesday at a trio of local businesses.
-
Fire at Drexel causes damage
An early morning fire in the offices of Drexel Chemical got firefighters’ week off to a busy start.
-
Traffic stop leads to more serious charge
A man initially stopped here Monday for driving with a suspended license is being held for Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials after his fourth illegal entry into the country.
-
McClung retiring
After 38 years in practice locally, Dr. Jerrold L. McClung, D.D.S. has announced that he is retiring, and his office will close on May 31. After that date, Dr. Brad Ford, D.M.D. and his son, Dr. Bradshaw Ford, D.M.D. will assume the care of Dr. McClung’s patients.
-
Superseding indictment brought against Wilcox sheriff, others
The Justice Department, along with U.S. Attorney Michael J. Moore, Middle District of Georgia, announced Monday that a grand jury has returned a superseding indictment against former Wilcox County Sheriff Stacy Bloodsworth; his son, Austin Bloodsworth; and former Wilcox County Jailer Casey Owens.
-
Community responds to Lions fundraiser
Cordele Lions Club recently joined other Lions throughout the United States in the observance of White Cane Days, a long-time fund-raising project of Lions Clubs International.
-
Burglar alarm foils attempted pawn shop entry
Burglary charges have been filed against two young men caught inside one building while attempting to break into an adjoining business.
-
Exhibition & reception set at CAAA
“Senior Portfolio 2012” will be on display at the Crisp Area Arts Alliance (CAAA) May 14 – June 1. A reception is planned for Friday, May 18 from 5-7 pm at the CAAA building.
- More Local news Headlines
-
Coffee May Be Key to Living Longer
Coffee May Be Key to Living Longer
Police to Groom of Slain Bride: Turn Yourself In
Defense Rests Without Calling Edwards, Mistress
Laurie Fine: My Life Has Been Destroyed
FTC: Skechers Deceived Consumers With Shoe Ads
FBI Confirms Leak Probe on Al-Qaida Plot
Romney Calls Obama a 'Disappointment'
Students in Tornado-hit Community Await Lady A
On Zuckerberg's Mind: People, Not Shareholders
Honda Unveils New Robotics-powered Scooter
NJ Gov., Mayor Channel Seinfeld in Video Parody
Blood Drive for Woman With Flesh-Eating Disease
AG Race Tops Oregon Primary Interest
Obama Welcomes Beckham, Galaxy to White House
Raw Video: Mladic's Genocide Trial Under Way
Court Records Detail Zimmerman Injuries
Local Community Prepares for G8 Summit
New Guidelines for US Nuclear Plants
The President's Hideaway Welcomes World Leaders
