A DeKalb County woman convicted of child abuse that led to the tragic death of her young son has been sentenced. On Friday, the DeKalb County Superior Court judge handed down a life plus 20 years sentence to Malisha Sasfras, of Decatur, in connection with the death of her 4-year-old son, according to the DeKalb County District Attorney’s Office.
Details of the Incident
On Feb. 11, 2023, officers from the DeKalb County Police Department responded to a distress call on Candler Road where they found the child in critical condition. Sadly, he later passed away at the hospital. Doctors and nurses noted extensive injuries on his body, with an autopsy by the DeKalb County Medical Examiner’s Office revealing he died from blunt force trauma to the head, an injury that had likely occurred six to eight hours before his death.
Case Investigation
The investigation ultimately led to the arrest of Sasfras on charges of cruelty to children and felony murder. This line of investigation included detailed witness statements and forensic evidence that painted a harrowing picture of abuse.
The Day in Court
During the trial, members of the victim’s family gave heart-wrenching testimonies before a deliberative silence fell over the courtroom as the verdict was read. The harsh sentencing reflects not only on the severity of the crime but also on community intolerance towards such acts of violence.
Community Mourning
The local community has been deeply affected by this tragic incident. Vigils and memorials were held for the young boy, as neighbors and strangers alike came together to grieve and hope for a future where such tragedies never occur again.
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