An Atlanta woman accused of beating a child to death for eating a cupcake pleaded guilty to his murder, the Fulton County District Attorney’s Office said.
LaShirley Morris was sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole for the death of 3-year-old Kejuan Mason. Morris entered the non-negotiated plea on Dec. 11. The Fulton DA told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution about the plea on Friday.
On Oct. 21, 2017, Morris fatally beat the boy with a baseball bat as punishment for eating a cupcake. A child inside the home witnessed the attack, according to a Division of Family and Children Services report.
Her sister, Glenndria Morris, was also charged in Mason’s death because she did not intervene during the fatal beating. Her case is still pending, the Fulton DA’s office said.
Kejuan lived with Glenndria Morris, who was also his legal guardian at the time of the alleged killing.
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Kejuan and three of his siblings entered DFCS care after their mother was arrested on a reckless conduct charge in March 2017. His mother, Geraldine Mason, would allegedly leave her children home alone, had anger issues and abused the children, according to DFCS records.
Geraldine Mason was released in April 2017 and reunited with one of her children but requested temporary guardianship for Kejuan and his twin brother, according to DFCS records. Mason suggested Morris, the boy’s godmother, act as his guardian.
According to DFCS documents, Mason said Morris prevented her from visiting her children, who lived in poor conditions under Morris’ care.
Glenndria Morris faces murder, aggravated assault, and cruelty to children charges.
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