After three hours of jury deliberation, Derrick Lenard Bessix and Allison Catherine Keener were found guilty of child abuse.
On August 26, Cherokee County District Attorney Susan K. Treadaway announced that Bessix was found guilty of cruelty to children in the second degree and contributing to the dependency of a minor. Keener was found guilty of contributing to the dependency of a minor by failing to provide adequate parental care.
The trial lasted 5 days, according to 11 Alive.
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The case dates back to September 2020. The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office launched an investigation when a pediatrician noticed evidence of child abuse during the child’s 4-month physical examination.
According to the district attorney’s office, the couple’s son was taken to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta for assessment. Upon investigation, it was discovered that the infant had several fractures in both his legs and ribs, with the leg fractures having happened more recently. The couple resided in the Hickory Flat neighborhood at the time.
“While the State argued Bessix intentionally caused the injuries, the jury instead found that the injuries were inflicted with criminal negligence,” the State’s Attorney reported, per Atlanta News First.
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At the trial, prosecutors provided evidence showing Bessix was responsible for the limb fracture, and neither parent took care of the 4-month-old.
The state called over a dozen witnesses, including a Division of Family & Children Services representative and pediatricians. The DA’s office stated that the defense called both defendants to the stand to testify.
Sentencing is planned for September 4.
