Hilary Johnson and Z’ibreyea Parker: Parents charged in death of 9-day-old baby found with signs of abuse

Warning: This article contains a recollection of crime and can be triggering to some, readers’ discretion advised.

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NORFOLK, UNITED STATES: New court documents reveal disturbing information about the death of a 9-day-old infant and the charges her parents face.

On Saturday, May 4, Hilary D Johnson, 23, and Z’ibreyea S Parker, 21, were taken into custody and charged with child abuse in connection with the death of their 9-day-old infant, I’ijayah Johnson, which Norfolk police say had been ruled a homicide.

Following the murder, both were separately arraigned on one count of second-degree murder each on May 8, as per WAVY.

What did court documents reveal about the 9-day-old infant?

According to legal records, upon the baby's arrival at the hospital, I'ijayah Johnson was found cold to the touch with signs of maltreatment, including cuts, burns on the feet, bruises, and indications of shaken baby syndrome. 

When questioned about the foot burns, Parker downplayed their severity, choosing to treat them solely with Witch Hazel and other home remedies. 

Johnson, who appeared in court on May 8, was uncooperative during the proceedings, requiring repeated prompting to speak up, as per documents. 

Johnson argued that there was no conclusive evidence against him, as he had taken I'ijayah to the hospital.

Bond hearings for both Johnson and Parker are scheduled for May 14, with preliminary hearings set for July 18. They are currently held without bond at Norfolk City Jail.

What did the infant's grandfather report about her parents?

The infant's grandfather had raised concerns about her well-being and the suitability of her parents at the time of her birth.

Johnson Sr had expressed his apprehension to the hospital staff, stating, "I told them I fear for her life, Not only me, but my dad even said the same thing. So how is it that you still let that baby leave? She was never supposed to leave that hospital."

Johnson Sr revealed that at the time of I’ijayah's birth, her parents, Hilary Johnson and Z’ibreyea Parker, were homeless and grappling with mental health challenges.

He reflected, "I don’t know what in the world snapped into them to live the way they were living." 

He continued, "I prayed to myself before she [I’ijayah] came here and I said, ‘Lord, please let her maternal instincts kick in that she wants to protect that baby, that she don’t want to live the way she was living, that she wants more for her and her child'." 

Johnson Sr shared that detectives informed his family that housing options were offered to I’ijayah's parents upon her discharge from the hospital, but they declined. 

Instead, they resorted to living in a tent outdoors, as per WGNTV.

"How was [the baby] able to leave when accusations were made that her life was in danger and she had no shelter?" questioned Johnson Sr. 

He has initiated a GoFundMe campaign to cover his granddaughter’s funeral expenses. As of Saturday, May 11, the fundraising effort has garnered over $2,000 toward its $15,000 goal.

Internet dubs the infant as ‘sweet angel’

Upon learning about the passing of the 9-day-old infant, numerous internet users have shared their thoughts and emotions on Facebook.

One user wrote, "My Gawd...Heartbreaking. The CPS (Child Protective System) is a cruel joke...Period! I hope everyone involved is charged!" 

Another user penned, "I’m absolutely shocked that the hospital let the parents take this infant home knowing they were living in a tent, not to mention the grandfather that was there telling them not to let the baby go home with them."

A user wrote, "You have people out here trying to have a baby and can’t. This really makes me mad. I pray for the grandparents of this child." 

One user commented, "Breaks my heart. So.eone should have protected that sweet angel." Another user said, "Just heartbreaking!! She’s an angel now pray she did not suffer! 🙏😇😞"

This article contains remarks made on the internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online