A Georgia woman has pleaded guilty to murdering a 2-year-old girl she was caring for over two weeks.
Charges and Sentence
Phillissa Diallo, 44, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder, second-degree cruelty to children, and concealing the death of another in connection with the 2022 death of Alyssa Rose Davis. Chief Superior Court Judge David L. Cannon Jr. sentenced Diallo to 37 years, with the first 21 years to be served in prison.
Discovery of the Child
The case began on December 14, 2022, when Diallo walked into the Canton Police Department and reported a deceased child in her apartment. Officers found Alyssa’s remains in a plastic storage bin filled with a salt-like substance and hidden under other items in a closet.
Cause of Death
An autopsy determined the child died from lethal doses of acetaminophen (Tylenol) and diphenhydramine (Benadryl). Alyssa was last known to be alive on December 8, though the exact date of death could not be confirmed.
Circumstances Leading to Death
Alyssa had been in Diallo’s continuous care for over two weeks. Ring video footage showed Diallo leaving the child alone for extended periods. The child’s mother remained in contact but was unaware of her daughter’s death until notified by police.
Evidence Presented
Prosecutors introduced the storage bin, Ring video footage showing Diallo bringing bleach into the home, and forensic photos highlighting areas where blood had been cleaned. Diallo admitted Alyssa had been alive at one point during the incident and that seeking medical help could have saved her life.
Mental Health and Defense
Diallo’s defense claimed she was delusional, but a Georgia Department of Behavioral Health expert testified that she was not experiencing delusional thoughts at the time.
Impact Statement
The victim’s mother delivered an emotional statement in court, saying her family was “robbed” and would never be the same after losing Alyssa.
