A 24-year-old Virginia woman, Z’ibreyea S. Parker, has admitted guilt in a child abuse case that resulted in the death of her nine-day-old daughter, I’ijayah Johnson. Court records indicate that the infant suffered from severe burns and multiple broken bones, injuries which Parker dismissed as “not all that serious.” The child’s father, 22-year-old Hilary Johnson II, also pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in connection with the case earlier this month.
The Norfolk Police Department reported that officers were dispatched to the Children’s Hospital of the Kings Daughters on May 4, 2024, to investigate a potential child abuse case. The infant girl was brought to the hospital unresponsive and showing signs of abuse. Medical professionals pronounced her dead shortly after her arrival.
Two days following the tragic incident, the medical examiner declared the death a homicide. Parker and Johnson were subsequently charged with second-degree murder and child abuse. However, as part of a plea agreement, the murder charge against Parker was dropped.
Court documents revealed that the infant had sustained severe burns on both feet and splash burns on other parts of her body. She also had broken ribs, a broken clavicle, and bruises on her head, indicating possible shaking. Despite the severity of these injuries, Parker maintained that they were not serious.
Further investigation revealed that the parents and the child were homeless, living in a tent under a highway. Hilary Johnson Sr., the child’s paternal grandfather, expressed his concerns about the ability of his son and Parker to care for the newborn.
Johnson Sr. shared his fears for his granddaughter’s life and his frustration that his concerns were not heeded. He also mentioned that the young parents were struggling with their mental health, which may have contributed to their inability to properly care for their child.
The hospital where the child was born, Sentara Norfolk General Hospital, stated that it has policies in place to investigate suspicions of child abuse or neglect in accordance with the law. The sentencing for Johnson and Parker is scheduled for October 24 and October 31, respectively.