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Jurayah Smith (Left), T’kia Bevily (Right)
Woman found guilty of Capital Murder in death of 14-month-old stepdaughter
CLAIBORNE COUNTY, Miss. —
T’Kia Bevily was found guilty of Capital Murder Friday in the death of her stepdaughter, 14-month-old Jurayah Smith.
During the five-day-long trial, evidence was presented that showed the baby sustained multiple “blunt-force trauma” injuries to her head resulting in her death.
According to Claiborne County's District Attorney Daniella Shorter, these injuries occurred while the child was in the sole custody of the defendants, T’Kia and Morris Bevily, the baby’s father.
“I could not be prouder of my prosecution team which brought Jurayah’s murderer to justice," DA Shorter said. "Now Jurayah’s family can finally have some peace knowing that T’Kia Bevily will be in the custody of the Mississippi Department of Corrections.”
A date has not been set yet for T'Kia Bevily's sentencing.
Baby Jurayah was killed on Oct. 22, 2017, and her death was ruled a homicide.
The child's mother, DeDreuna Smith released this statement after the verdict:
“I’d like to thank God, along with the District Attorney & the state of Mississippi for pursuing Justice on behalf of my 14-month-old daughter. Knowing that the person responsible for the homicide of my precious Jurayah is being held accountable for their actions brings a feeling of relief over my whole family. Receiving this guilty verdict is only the start of the healing process for my family, our friends, loved ones & myself. We’re grateful for the outcome and we’re hopeful for the peaceful closure that this process has brought.”
Morris Bevily’s trial is slated to begin Feb. 1.
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