A 71-year-old woman, identified as one of two suspects accused of killing a 3-year-old boy in Georgia on Easter Sunday, has been taken into custody in connection with the child’s death.
Police identified Barbara Edwards as the toddler’s babysitter. Authorities said the victim, Armani Lyons, was fatally shot inside an apartment in Atlanta on April 5, according to WAGA-TV.
On the evening of Monday, April 13, officers arrested Edwards. The Atlanta Police Department announced in an update on Tuesday, April 14, that she faces charges of cruelty to children, murder, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon in connection with the boy’s death.
Authorities also named another suspect, 35-year-old Jermaine Hardeman, who faces the same charges. Police said Hardeman remained at large as of April 14.
It remains unclear whether Edwards or Hardeman have attorneys who can speak on their behalf.
Before Edwards was taken into custody, Armani Lyons’ grandmother, Trinetta Julian, publicly urged both Edwards and Hardeman to come forward during an interview with WSB-TV.
“Just turn yourself in,” Julian said. “Turn yourself in, please.”
Armani was killed just weeks before what would have been his fourth birthday on May 3, according to a GoFundMe page set up by Dinisha Lyons to help cover funeral expenses.
“Our sweet Armani was taken from us far too soon due to senseless gun violence … Armani was full of life, joy, and innocence — a bright light who brought smiles to everyone he met,” the page reads, in part. “No family is ever prepared for a loss like this.”
Edwards had been caring for Armani on Easter while his parent was at work, Atlanta Assistant Police Chief Carvan Tyrus said during an April 6 news conference, according to Atlanta News First.
“Somehow, that 3-year-old ends up with a gunshot wound to the head,” Tyrus told news outlets.
After Atlanta officers responded to the April 5 shooting, they transported the toddler by ambulance to a nearby hospital, police said.
Doctors pronounced him dead at the hospital, according to authorities.
On Sunday, April 12, the Atlanta Police Department said “investigators were able to establish probable cause and obtain arrest warrants” for both Edwards and Hardeman.
Law enforcement officials did not disclose a possible motive for the deadly shooting.
“Rest peacefully, baby Armani,” the GoFundMe page says. “You will forever be loved and never forgotten.”
Julian told WSB-TV that her grandson “still should be here.”
“That’s my baby,” she said while speaking with the TV station.
Leave a Comment