An atrocious incident unfolded as a couple callously laughed while bringing their lifeless nine-day-old daughter to the hospital after fatally beating her, according to court testimony.
Hilary Johnson II, aged 24, received a 19-year prison sentence on October 31, while Z’ibreyea S. Parker, aged 22, was sentenced to 10 years. The couple had admitted guilt earlier this year in connection to the death of their newborn daughter, I’ijayah Johnson.
On May 4, 2024, Johnson and Parker arrived at the Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters with I’ijayah, who was unresponsive and cold to the touch. They claimed the infant had fallen from her stroller two days earlier while Johnson was out jogging.
Medical staff found the baby’s injuries inconsistent with the parents’ explanation. Prosecutors noted the chilling behavior of the couple at the hospital, mentioning their laughter during check-in and the inability to provide a precise birthdate for their daughter.
Reports from CBS affiliate WTKR revealed that Parker downplayed the severity of I’ijayah’s injuries. Hospital staff discovered severe burns on the baby’s feet, splash burns on other body areas, cuts on her head and face, and bruises on her back.
Norfolk Police were alerted, and an autopsy confirmed that I’ijayah died from blunt trauma to her head and torso, with burns to her feet being a contributing factor. The autopsy also revealed broken ribs and various internal and external injuries.
In a previous hearing, Johnson pleaded guilty to second-degree murder, while Parker admitted to child abuse with serious injury. Parker’s murder charge was dropped as part of their plea deal.
Attorney Ramin Fatehi expressed the vulnerability of newborn victims like I’ijayah and emphasized the need to seek justice in such cases.
I’ijayah’s grandfather, Hilary Johnson Sr., had expressed concerns about the couple’s parenting capabilities before the tragic incident, indicating a missed opportunity for intervention at the hospital.
At the time of I’ijayah’s birth, Johnson and Parker, who had mental health issues, were living in a tent under a highway. Despite offers of accommodation, they chose to remain homeless.
Johnson Sr. reflected on the couple’s unexpected descent into such tragic circumstances, expressing his hopes for a better life for his granddaughter that were tragically unfulfilled.