Roseville Babysitter Sentenced to Life in Prison for Murder of 23-Month-Old Boy
ROSEVILLE, MICHIGAN — A Michigan woman has been sentenced to life in prison after being convicted of first-degree child abuse and felony murder in the death of a 23-month-old boy she was babysitting in 2022, according to prosecutors.
Kimora Launmei Hodges, who had been watching the child on and off for two months, was found guilty by a jury in July. Authorities said the case stemmed from a tragic incident on Little Mack Avenue in Roseville that left the toddler with fatal head trauma.
The Babysitter and the Tragic Discovery
According to investigators, Hodges had been babysitting her neighbor’s son while the child’s mother was at work. On the day of the incident, the boy’s mother said she picked up her son from Hodges’ home and immediately realized something was wrong.
The child was unresponsive and severely injured. He was rushed to the hospital and underwent emergency surgery for severe brain trauma, but doctors were unable to save him.
Authorities later determined that the toddler’s injuries were the result of intentional physical abuse.
Admission and Arrest
When questioned by police, Hodges reportedly admitted to abusing the child. Her confession, combined with the medical evidence, led to her arrest and eventual conviction.
During the investigation, officers said Hodges offered inconsistent explanations for the injuries before finally acknowledging that she had struck the boy.
Sentencing and Community Reaction
In court, prosecutors described the killing as an “unimaginable act of cruelty” against a defenseless child. Hodges showed little emotion as she was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
The child’s mother, whose name has not been released publicly, shared an emotional statement during sentencing, saying, “I trusted her. I thought she was helping me. Instead, she took my baby from me.”
A Pattern of Neglect
Authorities said Hodges had been babysitting the boy sporadically for two months before the fatal incident. Neighbors told local media that the mother was a single parent trying to balance work and childcare.
Prosecutors noted that the case serves as a reminder of the risks of unlicensed home childcare, particularly when caretakers lack proper oversight or experience.
Justice for the Victim
The Roseville Police Department and the Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office praised the investigators and medical staff who worked on the case, saying their quick response ensured justice for the young victim.
“This is one of the most heartbreaking cases we’ve seen,” prosecutors said following the sentencing. “No sentence can undo the loss, but today’s verdict ensures accountability.”
Hodges remains in state custody following her sentencing.
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