Georgia – In a harrowing case in Georgia that highlights the darkest aspects of domestic violence, a 29-year-old man named K. Woods was sentenced to life in prison after the tragic death of his 2-month-old daughter, Kamila.
The District Attorney’s Office confirmed that Woods was found guilty of felony murder, aggravated battery, and first-degree child cruelty in connection with the infant’s 2019 death.
On November 30, 2019, Woods transported his critically injured daughter to the hospital, where she was pronounced dead. The events leading up to her death began the day before, when Kamila’s mother left her in Woods’ care at his apartment.
The situation took a fatal turn that evening, disguised as play. Woods told the police that he was “just playing” with Kamila, tossing her into the air and catching her. During one of these catches, he claimed to have accidentally squeezed her too hard, resulting in severe internal injuries.
He told authorities that following the incident, he put Kamila to bed around 10 p.m. and did not check on her for several hours, despite her obvious distress.
The investigation into Kamila’s death revealed a darker story than the initial accident Woods described. Police discovered that around 2 a.m., Woods searched the internet for “symptoms of broken ribs in children” several times, indicating his awareness of the gravity of Kamila’s injuries.
However, rather than seeking immediate medical attention, he waited until the morning, around 6 a.m., to take action. The autopsy findings were damning. They revealed that Kamila had multiple rib fractures, liver injuries, and extensive bleeding and swelling of the brain.
These injuries, according to medical experts, were consistent with being violently squeezed and shaken, rather than being tossed in the air, as Woods claimed.
Due to the gravity of the crime, Woods was charged with multiple counts, including two counts of felony murder. The court proceedings concluded with a 10-hour jury deliberation before returning a guilty verdict.
Given the gravity of the offense and the victim’s age, prosecutors sought and received a life sentence for Woods, reflecting the heinous nature of his actions.
Assistant District Attorneys L. Trejo and C. Lewis prosecuted the case. The trial also highlighted Kamila’s mother’s bravery, who, despite her grief, played a critical role in getting the case resolved. The case left an indelible mark on the community.
District Attorney P. Gatson expressed deep sadness for the loss of such a young life in what she called a preventable and senseless act of violence. She hopes that the sentence will bring some peace to Kamila’s family, despite the long-term effects of such a tragedy.
The police department, along with the medical examiner’s office and local law enforcement, were commended for conducting a thorough investigation that ensured justice was served.
This case not only highlights the tragic consequences of domestic violence, but it also emphasizes the legal system’s role in addressing and punishing such brutal acts in order to protect society’s most vulnerable members.