Two arrested for felony child abuse in death of a child

Two individuals were arrested last week after a 16 year old female was taken to the hospital on October 30 after what looked like she had been beaten, according to the Clarke County Sheriff’s Department. She died a few hours later.

Allen Donta McGay, 33, and Shakeithia Deneice McGay, 24, guardians of the teen girl, were charged with felony child abuse and more charges may be added pending the final autopsy report. The couple’s bond was set at $150,000 each by Justice Court Judge Tobey Bartee. Both remain in jail as of Tuesday.

The preliminary autopsy report showed the female died of multiple blunt force trama. She had multiple lacerations to her head, face, back and body, including one deep enough to touch her skull, according to Clarke County Coroner Greg Fairchild. Fairchild also said the child had other older injuries that suggested a possible pattern of abuse.

“She looked to have been beaten pretty bad by an object,” said Fairchild. “The medical examiner is looking into the actual cause of death because they found an underlying heart condition during the initial autopsy.”

Fairchild said the couple brought the child to the emergency room unconscious claiming she “fell in the bathtub”. Emergency room personnel tried to revive her but was unsuccessful and called law enforcement.

The case is still under investigation and The Tribune will report information as it is made available.