Charges Upgraded In Abuse Case After Child Dies

MARIETTA, GA -- The father arrested for allegedly punching his 21-month-old son repeatedly in the head and ribs has had his charges upgraded to felony murder after the child, Patch has learned.

Police said that the toddler suffered internal bleeding in the attack, which happened Saturday in Marietta at an apartment complex in the 2600 block of Bentley Road, as Patch previously reported.

Twenty-one-year-old Shomari Holmes, who reportedly made a video confession to police, was already charged with aggravated battery, simply battery and cruelty to children.

According to a police report obtained by Patch, officers found the baby this past weekend after responding to a report of a juvenile being "non-responsive."

Read more: Cobb couple charged after infant severely beaten

The baby was taken to Kennestone Regional Medical Center before later being transferred to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta in critical condition, Marietta police said.

The baby was in the hospital for nearly a week before succumbing to his injuries, reports WAGA-TV.

Holmes, 21, is accused of attacking a 3-year-old girl as well, hitting her on her legs with a belt. Holmes allegedly bit her on her arm as well, according to the police report.

The children's mother, Chantelle Driver, 22, was arrested for watching Holmes use "inappropriate means of discipline on her children" and doing nothing, WXIA reports.

"The child's father admitted to punching his child in the ribs and head and said the accused witnessed him striking the child," the police report says.
Driver is charged with deprivation of a minor and child cruelty.

Image courtesy of Cobb County Sheriff's Office