On June 19, 2025, Rodney McWeay, a 32-year-old father from Atlanta, was convicted of malice murder and several other serious charges related to the death of his 4-year-old daughter, Treasure McWeay, who died in December 2023 due to starvation. McWeay, a father of three, was found guilty of 14 felonies, including kidnapping, child cruelty, and false imprisonment, according to Fox 5 Atlanta and CBS affiliate WRDW.
The Horrific Details of the Case
The case revolves around the tragic death of little Treasure, who, along with her two brothers, had been removed from McWeay’s custody in June 2023 due to poor living conditions. Reports indicated that McWeay’s home was in deplorable shape, with unsanitary, moldy environments. Despite losing custody, McWeay managed to kidnap his children back from their mother and kept them confined in a “house of horrors.”
Investigators revealed that the children were locked in separate rooms without access to food, water, or a bathroom. They were also monitored through surveillance cameras, which prevented them from leaving their rooms. The children’s captivity continued in isolation, where they suffered extreme neglect.
The Death of Treasure
Days before Christmas in 2023, Treasure McWeay was found unresponsive at her father’s home. Law enforcement and Georgia’s Division of Family & Children Services (DCFS) had tried to intervene earlier, but their efforts to check on the family were unsuccessful. Neighbor Quasheea Cokley reported hearing constant crying and screaming from McWeay’s apartment, but her attempts to alert authorities were in vain.
Treasure was rushed to the hospital, where she was later pronounced dead. The cause of death was determined to be cardiac arrest due to long-term malnutrition, with Treasure weighing only 24 pounds at the time of her death—roughly half the weight expected for a healthy 4-year-old.
The Trial and McWeay’s Defense
During the trial, McWeay’s defense attorney argued that while McWeay admitted to making “wrong decisions” in his relationship with the children’s mother, he did not intend to harm his kids. However, the evidence presented in court, including the conditions in McWeay’s home and the testimony of medical experts, painted a stark picture of extreme neglect and abuse.
Sentencing and Future Consequences
McWeay faces multiple life sentences after rejecting a 75-year plea deal earlier in the trial. His sentencing will take place in 30 days. Prosecutors and the public are awaiting justice for the innocent children who endured unimaginable suffering at the hands of their father.
This heartbreaking case shines a light on the horrors of child abuse, especially in situations where there was clear evidence of neglect, but intervention came too late. The death of Treasure McWeay is a tragic reminder of the importance of child welfare agencies acting swiftly to protect vulnerable children from harm.
The conviction of Rodney McWeay brings a sense of justice for Treasure McWeay and her siblings, who suffered immensely before the tragic loss of their sister. This case serves as a stark reminder of the critical role authorities play in preventing child abuse and ensuring the safety of children who are at risk of neglect and harm.
