An appalling case unfolded in court where a mother and father callously beat their nine-day-old daughter to death and callously laughed as they brought her lifeless body to the hospital. Hilary Johnson II, 24, received a 19-year prison sentence, while Z’ibreyea S. Parker, 22, was sentenced to 10 years after admitting guilt in the tragic death of their newborn daughter, I’ijayah Johnson.
On May 4, 2024, Johnson and Parker took I’ijayah to the Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters, claiming she had fallen from a stroller two days prior while Johnson was out jogging. However, medical staff quickly realized that the baby’s injuries did not align with the parents’ explanation. The couple’s behavior at the hospital was described as disturbing, with prosecutors noting that they struggled to provide basic information about their daughter and were observed laughing during the intake process.
Reports from a local news outlet revealed that Parker downplayed the severity of I’ijayah’s injuries, suggesting they were not significant. Hospital staff documented several signs of abuse on the baby, including severe burns on her feet, splash burns on other parts of her body, cuts on her head and face, and bruises on her back.
Following an autopsy, Norfolk Police confirmed that I’ijayah’s death resulted from blunt trauma to her head and torso, with deep partial-thickness burns on her feet also contributing to her passing. Additionally, the baby had multiple broken ribs and other internal and external injuries that could not have been caused by a fall from a stroller.
In a plea deal, Johnson pleaded guilty to second-degree murder, while Parker admitted to child abuse with serious injury. Parker’s murder charge was dropped, along with Johnson’s child abuse count. Attorney Ramin Fatehi emphasized the vulnerability of newborns and the tragic fate that befell I’ijayah at the hands of her own parents.
I’ijayah’s grandfather, Hilary Johnson Sr., had raised concerns about the couple’s parenting abilities and had warned hospital staff before the baby’s death. Johnson and Parker, who struggled with mental health issues, were living in a tent under a highway at the time of I’ijayah’s birth. Despite offers of assistance, they declined to leave their makeshift dwelling.
Reflecting on the tragedy, Johnson Sr. expressed disbelief at the drastic change in his son and daughter-in-law’s behavior and lamented the missed opportunities to provide a better life for I’ijayah. He highlighted his hopes for his granddaughter’s safety and well-being before her tragic demise.