Child Beaten in Bells Dies; Woman Charged with Murder
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According to the Bells Police Department, a 17-month old infant died Saturday night at Vanderbilt Medical Center in Nashville after she allegedly suffered abuse at the hand of her father’s girlfriend, 24-year-old Molly Jane Roe. “There are two additional charges. She is now charged with first degree murder and she’s also charged with aggravated rape of a child,” said Bells Police Chief Ilandis Smith. Smith said Roe was charged with aggravated child abuse when she was taken into custody Thursday, June 9. According to officials the infant, Maleeya Marie Murley, allegedly suffered the abuse while at the home of her father, Phillip Murley Jr., who was allowed visitation rights every other weekend. Police said Maleeya’s biological mother, Crystal Gilbert, had custody of the child. “She was the light of our life. She was the sweetest little thing,” said Phillip Murley, Sr., Maleeya’s grandfather and father of Phillip Murley Jr. Murley said Roe had just moved back in with his son two and half weeks ago along with her 2-year old child. “He thought he had a family…thought he was going to make a family and it’s just hard for him. He’s just devastated,” said Murley about his son. When asked whether or not any other parties will be held responsible and charged, police said the investigation is still ongoing. “This community is hard struck by this. This is something that doesn’t happen here. Everybody in this community loves kids and they are just shocked. It’s just breath taking,” said Smith. Roe is being held without bond and is due in court 9:00 a.m. Thursday. “We want to see justice for our little girl. We’re going to be strong for her. We’re going to be there when she’s (Roe) arraigned. We’re going to be there every time the court doors are open,” said Murley. Murley said an autopsy has been scheduled and should be completed in a couple of days.
