Nationwide — Imani Mitchell, a 1-year-old African American girl from NYC, died after her mother’s boyfriend allegedly beat her so severely that doctors removed part of her skull. She was placed on life support but never recovered.
On August 28, Imani’s mother left her in the care of 19-year-old Jerome Thomas inside their Bronx apartment on Union Avenue. Prosecutors said Thomas struck the child twice on the head with a heavy hand, causing her to collapse in pain.
According to the New York Post, Imani suffered extensive brain injuries, including bleeding, swelling, and dangerous pressure that shifted her brain. Despite surgery and life support, her condition continued to worsen. She was pronounced dead at Harlem Hospital on September 6, and the NYPD ruled her death a homicide.
Thomas was arrested the day after the attack and charged with felony assault, reckless endangerment, and endangering the welfare of a child. He remains in custody at Rikers Island without bail, and prosecutors said his charges could be upgraded following a grand jury review.
Neighbors said the family had only recently moved into the building. One woman remembered holding Imani and described her as an active, playful baby. Others recalled hearing frequent arguments between Thomas and Imani’s mother, sometimes loud enough to echo through the hallways.
Thomas is scheduled to appear in court again on September 18.