A young woman is standing trial over the death of her boyfriend’s toddler after prosecutors allege the child suffered fatal injuries while alone with her in a college dormitory. The case has drawn widespread attention due to the severity of the allegations and the circumstances surrounding the child’s final hours.
Trinity Poague Faces Multiple Charges Over Toddler’s Death
Trinity Poague, 20, has pleaded not guilty to several serious charges, including malice murder, felony murder, aggravated battery, and first-degree cruelty to children. Prosecutors allege that the incident occurred while Poague was caring for her boyfriend’s 18-month-old son in her dorm room.
Alleged Motive and Text Messages
According to prosecutors, Poague harbored resentment toward the child, believing he stood in the way of her desire to have a baby of her own with her boyfriend, Julian Williams. They claim she sent messages to her roommate expressing hostility toward the toddler, including statements that she wanted to hit him and that she disliked him.
Events Leading Up to the Child’s Death
On the night before the incident, Poague, Williams, and the child reportedly went out to dinner together. Prosecutors state that the child showed no signs of injury or distress during that time.
Conflicting Accounts of What Happened
Poague has claimed the toddler fell off a bed, but prosecutors argue that the injuries were far too severe to have been caused by an accidental fall. Video footage from Poague’s phone allegedly showed the child behaving normally earlier, with no visible bruises.
A fellow student later reported hearing the toddler crying for an extended period before the noise abruptly stopped.
Medical Findings and Timeline
The following day, around midday, Williams left the dormitory to pick up food. While he was away, Poague allegedly called him in distress, saying the child was not breathing and that she did not know what had happened.
Williams rushed his son to the hospital, but the child was pronounced dead later that afternoon.
Extent of the Injuries
Prosecutors state that medical examinations revealed multiple traumatic injuries, including brain bleeds, bruising to the face and neck, a fractured skull, and a severe liver laceration. According to the prosecution, the injuries were recent and could not have occurred the night before or as a result of a simple fall.
They argue the trauma must have taken place shortly before the child was brought to the hospital.
Defense Response and Ongoing Trial
Poague’s defense attorney has argued that investigators lack direct evidence proving she caused the injuries. He has also portrayed Williams as controlling and claimed he had been drinking the night before the incident.
Despite acknowledging the existence of the text messages, the defense maintains that they do not amount to proof of guilt.
Aftermath and Public Response
Following her arrest, Poague reportedly lost her beauty pageant title. Meanwhile, a fundraising campaign has been established to support the child’s father, drawing significant public donations.
The trial is ongoing, with prosecutors and defense attorneys continuing to present sharply contrasting accounts of what happened inside the dorm room during the child’s final moments.