The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Man accused of killing girlfriend’s 2-year-old

He also allegedly injured 4-year-old in same home.

- By Alexis Stevens astevens@ajc.com

A Clayton County man already jailed for allegedly causing severe injuries to a child is now accused of killing another child, police said Thursday.

Kemra Nesta Matthew, 30, of Jonesboro, is accused of killing 2-year-old Jadien Harvey July 11 at the apartment where Matthew lived with his girlfriend and her children, according to Clayton County police.

Matthew faces charges of murder, aggravated assault and cruelty to children in connection with the toddler’s death, Lt. Chris Windley said.

Matthew also faces charges for allegedly injuring a 4-year-old in the same home. He was arrested Aug. 8 on first-degree child cruelty and aggravated assault charges and has since remained in the Clayton County jail without bond.

In July, Matthew was caring for his girlfriend’s four children when they all were transporte­d to the hospital, but the 2year-old did not survive, police said.

The 4-year-old told investigat­ors Matthew punched him in the stomach, causing him to vomit and that he punched the 2-year-old.

Matthew has denied hurting the children, police said.

Matthew’s criminal history includes spending nearly three years at Calhoun State Prison following a conviction on various drug charges, according to the Georgia Department of Correction­s. He was incarcerat­ed in June 2006 and released from prison in March 2009, records show.

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from United States