A 1-year-old girl, Imani Mitchell, tragically passed away after spending a week on life support following an alleged beating by her mother’s boyfriend. On August 28, New York City Police were called to an apartment in the Melrose neighborhood of the Bronx after Imani’s mother, Le’Nesha Mitchell, found her daughter severely injured. The young girl was reportedly swollen and heavily bruised, leading Mitchell to call emergency services.
Arrest of Jerome Thomas
The following day, on August 29, the NYPD arrested 19-year-old Jerome Thomas, who is Mitchell’s boyfriend. He was charged with assault, reckless endangerment, and endangering the welfare of a child. The Bronx District Attorney’s office has since indicated plans to pursue homicide charges. According to reports, Mitchell had left Imani in Thomas’ care for approximately 45 minutes, during which the alleged abuse occurred.
Imani’s Injuries and Hospitalization
Imani was rushed to New York-Presbyterian Columbia University Medical Center, where she was placed in the Neurological Intensive Care Unit (NICU). She was placed on a ventilator, and doctors performed surgery to relieve pressure on her brain, including removing a portion of her skull. Hospital staff confirmed that her injuries were consistent with a “forceful direct impact to the right side of her head,” according to the criminal complaint.
Despite the doctors’ best efforts, Imani was declared brain dead, and her family was faced with the heart-wrenching decision of taking her off life support.
Legal Proceedings and Community Support
Jerome Thomas pleaded not guilty to the charges and is currently being held at Rikers Island. A court hearing is scheduled for September 13. In the wake of this tragedy, a GoFundMe page was created to assist with funeral expenses for Imani. The page, set up by India Hunter, described the immense pain Imani’s family is facing, stating, “Imani suffered severe injuries at the hands of someone her mom trusted.”
Investigation and Ongoing Support
The Administration for Children’s Services is collaborating with the NYPD to investigate Imani’s death. This heartbreaking incident has left the community in shock, highlighting the devastating consequences of child abuse.
Anyone who suspects child abuse can contact the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Child (1-800-422-4453), available 24/7 and in over 170 languages.
