Virginia Couple Sentenced in Death of Nine-Day-Old Daughter After Severe Abuse
In a harrowing case out of Virginia, a young couple has been sentenced for the death of their nine-day-old daughter, I’ijayah Johnson, who endured extreme abuse before her life was tragically cut short.
Hilary Johnson II, 24, received a 19-year prison sentence for second-degree murder, while Z’ibreyea S. Parker, 22, was sentenced to 10 years for child abuse. The case has shocked the local community due to both the severity of the abuse and the disturbing behavior of the parents following their child’s death.
The tragedy began on May 4, 2024, when the couple arrived at the Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters in Norfolk with I’ijayah’s lifeless body. Hospital staff noted the newborn was cold and bore numerous injuries. The parents claimed the baby had fallen from a stroller two days earlier while Johnson was jogging and said they attempted to care for her at home using remedies such as witch hazel, peroxide, and gauze. They only sought medical attention when I’ijayah stopped eating and ceased breathing.
Medical personnel were immediately alarmed by the extent of the injuries. The infant had burns on the soles of her feet, cuts on her head and face, bruising across her back, several broken ribs, and multiple other internal and external injuries. Staff also reported that the parents laughed during check-in, with Parker minimizing the severity of the injuries. The nature of the wounds prompted police involvement and a full investigation.
An autopsy revealed the newborn died from blunt force trauma to the head and torso, with burns from scalding liquid contributing to her death. Investigators confirmed the injuries were inconsistent with a simple stroller fall, as the parents claimed. Prosecutors noted evidence suggested Johnson may have been primarily responsible, but neither parent admitted to causing the abuse, and it was impossible to assign all injuries to one individual conclusively.
Both Johnson and Parker were initially charged with felony child abuse and second-degree murder. Johnson later accepted a plea deal, pleading guilty to second-degree murder and receiving up to 19 years in prison, while the child abuse charge was dropped. Parker pleaded guilty to child abuse and received a 10-year sentence, with the murder charge dismissed due to insufficient evidence.
Norfolk Commonwealth’s Attorney Ramin Fatehi described the case as devastating, emphasizing the extreme vulnerability of newborns. “There is no victim more vulnerable than a newborn baby. I’ijayah came into the world in need of love and protection from her mother and father. What she got instead was suffering and death,” Fatehi said. He noted the complexities of the trial, highlighting the importance of securing justice for I’ijayah.
This tragic case underscores the risks faced by society’s most defenseless members. While nothing can restore I’ijayah’s life, the convictions serve as a measure of accountability and a stark reminder of the vigilance needed to protect the youngest and most vulnerable from abuse.