In the late summer of 2017, a heart-wrenching story unfolded in Monroe County, Georgia, with the death of an 8-month-old baby boy, Sanchez Ussery Jr. The infant was brought to the Monroe County Hospital unresponsive in the early morning hours of August 10th. Medical staff were unable to revive him and he was pronounced dead. The hospital staff noticed visible bruising on his chest and stomach, which prompted them to alert the authorities.
The Monroe County Sheriff's Office launched an
investigation into the circumstances surrounding the young child's death. An autopsy was performed by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation's crime lab. The findings were grim, revealing that the baby had suffered from several broken ribs and severe damage to his liver. The injuries were indicative of severe trauma. Following interviews with the baby's parents, they were arrested in connection with his death.
The baby's father, Sanchez Dyron Ussery Sr., who was 25 at the time, and his mother, Latorrica Allen, 23, were both taken into custody. They were initially both charged with felony murder and first-degree cruelty to children. The couple's two other children were placed in the custody of the Division of Family and Children Services. The parents were held at the Monroe County Detention Center without bond.
Further investigation revealed a series of text messages between the parents that shed more light on the events leading to the infant's death. It was discovered that the father had expressed frustration with the baby's crying and had sent texts to the mother indicating his dislike for the child. Prosecutors determined that the fatal blow, which caused the deadly liver injury, was inflicted by Sanchez Ussery Sr. while the mother, Latorrica Allen, was at work. It is believed the fatal injury would have caused the baby's death within approximately 30 minutes.
Ultimately, Sanchez Ussery Sr. pleaded guilty to felony murder and was sentenced to life in prison, with the possibility of parole after 30 years. Latorrica Allen, the mother, pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of second-degree child cruelty. Her charge stemmed from the negligence of leaving her son in the care of the father, knowing he posed a danger to the child. She was sentenced to ten years with two years to serve. Having already spent two years in jail awaiting the resolution of her case, she was released from custody following her plea.
