Bronx man faces potential murder charges after the death of his girlfriend’s baby girl, whom he allegedly punched.
Prosecutors in the Bronx have initiated a grand jury review of homicide charges against 19-year-old Jerome Thomas, whose girlfriend’s infant daughter passed away following an alleged violent incident. According to officials, the charges arise from the tragic death of 1-year-old Imani-Dior Monique Mitchell, who was reportedly struck in the head by Thomas last Thursday.
In a statement provided to the media, Assistant Bronx District Attorney Tiffany Wichman confirmed that the case against Thomas has evolved significantly since it was first filed. The case has now been presented to a grand jury alongside additional charges pertaining to the murder of the child, as the situation has developed since the initial reporting of the incident.
Reportedly, Thomas admitted to police during questioning that he struck Imani-Dior twice on the side of her head with what he described as a “heavy hand.” This abusive action allegedly prompted the child to cry. Upon arrival, emergency responders found Imani-Dior in a state of semiconsciousness at her home located on Union Avenue near East 152nd Street in the South Bronx, following a 911 call made by her mother, LeNesha Mitchell.
LeNesha Mitchell, 25, informed law enforcement that she had left her daughter in the care of Thomas for a brief period of approximately 45 minutes. Upon her return, she discovered the child lying on the bed with visible bruising. Court documents reveal that Imani-Dior was struggling to breathe, her face and head significantly swollen, particularly around a bruised eye.
Emergency personnel transported Imani-Dior to Harlem Hospital, where she remained in critical condition for several days before succumbing to her injuries. Reports indicate that she required life support and was placed on a ventilator due to extensive subdural hemorrhaging identified on the right side of her head.
Although Thomas is not Imani-Dior’s biological father, he had been dating LeNesha Mitchell for approximately four months at the time of the incident. Initially, Thomas faced charges of felony assault and child endangerment, but as the investigation has progressed, prosecutors are now pursuing more serious accusations.
The tragic circumstances surrounding Imani-Dior’s death have drawn considerable attention, raising significant concerns about child welfare and domestic violence in the community. As the legal proceedings unfold, the case will likely spark further discussion regarding the prevention of child abuse and the protections necessary to ensure the safety of vulnerable populations.
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