An appalling incident unfolded in court as it was revealed that a heartless mother and father callously laughed after taking their nine-day-old daughter, I’ijayah Johnson, who had tragically died due to their abuse, to the hospital. Hilary Johnson II, 24, received a 19-year prison sentence, while Z’ibreyea S. Parker, 22, was handed a 10-year sentence after admitting guilt earlier in the year for their roles in the newborn’s death.
The disturbing events occurred on May 4, 2024, when Johnson and Parker arrived at the Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters with I’ijayah, who was unresponsive and cold. They falsely claimed she had fallen from a stroller while Johnson was out jogging. However, medical staff quickly realized the injuries did not align with the parents’ story. Prosecutors noted that the couple displayed unsettling behavior at the hospital, including laughing during the check-in process and struggling to provide accurate information about their daughter.
Reports from CBS affiliate WTKR detailed the extent of I’ijayah’s injuries, which included severe burns on her feet, splash burns on other parts of her body, cuts on her head and face, and bruises on her back. Norfolk Police were alerted, leading to an autopsy confirming that the baby girl had suffered fatal blunt trauma to her head and torso, along with burns consistent with hot liquid. Additionally, she had multiple broken ribs and various internal and external injuries.
In a court hearing, Johnson pleaded guilty to second-degree murder, while Parker admitted to child abuse resulting in serious injury. The plea deal dropped Parker’s murder charge and Johnson’s additional child abuse count. Attorney Ramin Fatehi condemned the heinous act, emphasizing the vulnerability of newborns and the need for justice in such cases.
I’ijayah’s grandfather, Hilary Johnson Sr., expressed regret that his warnings about the parents’ suitability went unheeded before the tragic incident. Despite offers of assistance, Johnson and Parker, who struggled with mental health issues, chose to live in challenging conditions under a highway overpass after their daughter’s birth.
The grandfather lamented the transformation he witnessed in his son and daughter-in-law, hoping for a better life for their family. The heartbreaking story serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting the most vulnerable members of society.