An atrocious incident unfolded in court as a heartless couple, the parents of a nine-day-old baby, callously brought their lifeless daughter to the hospital and laughed. Hilary Johnson II, 24, received a lengthy 19-year prison sentence, while Z’ibreyea S. Parker, 22, was handed a 10-year sentence. This sentencing came after both pleaded guilty to charges linked to the tragic death of their newborn daughter, I’ijayah Johnson.
The distressing events transpired on May 4, 2024, when 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 that the infant had fallen from her stroller two days prior while Johnson was out jogging. However, medical professionals quickly determined that the baby’s severe injuries did not align with the parents’ explanation. Prosecutors noted the couple’s unsettling behavior at the hospital, highlighting their inability to provide basic information about their daughter and their inappropriate laughter during the check-in process.
Reports from local news sources revealed that Parker downplayed I’ijayah’s injuries, insisting they were not serious. The parents initially attempted to treat the baby at home with inadequate remedies before seeking medical help when her condition deteriorated. Tragically, hospital staff discovered multiple signs of abuse on I’ijayah’s body, including severe burns on her feet, cuts on her head and face, and bruises on her back.
Following a police investigation and autopsy, it was confirmed that I’ijayah’s death resulted from blunt trauma to her head and torso, with additional injuries like burns and broken ribs contributing to her tragic fate. In the legal proceedings, Johnson admitted to second-degree murder, while Parker pleaded guilty to child abuse with serious injury. Parker’s murder charge was dropped as part of a plea deal, along with one of the child abuse charges against Johnson.
In a statement after sentencing, Attorney Ramin Fatehi emphasized the vulnerability of newborn victims like I’ijayah and the importance of seeking justice in such cases. I’ijayah’s devastated grandfather, Hilary Johnson Sr., expressed regret that his warnings about the parents’ suitability went unheeded, revealing concerns he had raised with hospital staff prior to the baby’s tragic passing.
At the time of I’ijayah’s birth, Johnson and Parker, both battling mental health issues, were living in a tent beneath a highway. Despite offers for accommodation upon I’ijayah’s discharge from the hospital, the couple chose to decline. Johnson Sr. reflected on the unexpected turn in his son and daughter-in-law’s behavior, praying for a better life for I’ijayah that tragically never materialized.