A 71-year-old woman, one of two people accused of killing a 3-year-old boy in Georgia on Easter Sunday, has been arrested in connection with his death, according to authorities.
Barbara Edwards identified by the police as a babysitter, Armani Lyonswho was shot and killed in an Atlanta apartment on April 5, WAGA-TV reported.
On Monday night, April 13, Edwards was arrested on charges of child abuse, murder, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon in his death, the Atlanta Police Department announced in an update on Tuesday, April 14.
Another person, 35 years old Jermaine Hardemanis also facing similar charges in the boy’s murder, according to police, who said Hardeman has not been in custody since April 14.
It was not immediately clear whether Edwards or Hardeman had lawyers to represent them.
Before Edward’s arrest, Armani Lyons’ grandmother, Trinetta Julianmade a public plea to Edwards and Hardeman during an interview with WSB-TV.
“Just surrender,” said Julian. “Please surrender.”
Armani was killed just weeks before what would have been his fourth birthday on May 3, according to a GoFundMe page created by. Dinisha Lyons in support of costs related to Armani’s funeral.
“Our sweet Armani was taken from us too soon due to senseless gun violence … Armani was full of life, joy, and innocence – a bright light that brought a smile to everyone he met,” the page read, in part. “No family is ready to lose like this.”
Edwards was babysitting Armani over Easter while his parent was working, an Atlanta Assistant Police Chief Carvan Tyrus said at an April 6 news conference, according to Atlanta News First.
“Somehow, this three-year-old child ends up with a gunshot wound to the head,” Tyrus told the media.
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After Atlanta police responded to the April 5 shooting, the toddler was taken to a nearby hospital by ambulance, according to police.
He was pronounced dead at the hospital, the police said.
On Sunday, April 12, the Atlanta Police Department announced “investigators were able to establish probable cause and obtain arrest warrants” for Edwards and Hardeman.
The possible motive for killing people was not clarified by the law enforcement officers.
“Rest in peace, baby Armani,” said the GoFundMe page. “You will always be loved and never forgotten.”
Julian told WSB-TV that his grandson “should still be there.”
“That’s my child,” he said while talking to a television station.
