New York Baby Tragically Dies After Assaulted by Mother Boyfriend

A heartbreaking tragedy has struck New York as an infant girl, identified as Imani Mitchell, has died a week after suffering severe head injuries allegedly caused by her mother’s boyfriend.

Authorities report that the incident occurred on the evening of August 28 inside an apartment on Union Avenue near East 152nd Street in the Woodstock neighborhood of the Bronx. According to the criminal complaint, Jerome Thomas, 19, was left to care for the child when he allegedly str*ck her twice on the side of the h*ad with excessive f*rce.

Imani was immediately rushed to Harlem Hospital, where doctors found she had sustained extensive bleeding on the right side of her brain, swelling, and increased pressure inside her skull. The injuries were so severe that surgeons were forced to remove part of her skull in an attempt to relieve the pressure.

Despite being placed on a ventilator and receiving intensive medical support, Imani tragically passed away on Friday, September 5.

Thomas was initially charged with felony assault, reckless endangerment, and child endangerment. He is currently being held without bail at Rikers Island, and prosecutors say his charges may be upgraded pending a grand jury indictment. He is scheduled to appear in court on September 18.

Neighbor, LaCroix told reporters that the young family had recently moved into the building and were relatively new to the community.

“I spent a little time with the mother, and I guess the boyfriend one night, just because they were new to the area, and we were just showing them where some of the stores are and different things like that,” said LaCroix, who recalled spending time with the infant. “Being helpful, as a neighbor, because I’m a little older than the young lady.

“I held the baby, you know, because we spent a little time with each other. She was playing with my phone – she was an active one year old.”

“They fight every night. [I’ve heard] them argue every night since they moved here … ‘F**k you, b**ch.’ And ‘Get the f*#k out,’” she said.

“Several times she put his clothes out, but they’d be back together the same day.”