NORFOLK — A judge on Thursday ordered that a couple charged with killing their newborn daughter earlier this year be evaluated to determine if they were sane at the time, and whether they’re competent to stand trial.
Norfolk Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Judge Devon R. Paige agreed to order the evaluations for Hilary D. Johnson II and Z’ibreyea Parker after requests from their court-appointed attorneys. Johnson is represented by J.D. Garrett, and Parker by Trevor Robinson.
The couple had been scheduled for a preliminary hearing Thursday to determine if there was sufficient evidence to send the case on to a grand jury. The hearing was postponed, however, after the defense lawyers requested the mental health exams.
When the couple took their 9-day-old daughter to Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters on May 4, the child was already cold to the touch, according to investigators. She was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
Further examination showed the child had severe burns on both feet, “splash burns” on other parts of her body, lacerations, and numerous bruises. An autopsy would later determine she’d also suffered broken ribs, a broken clavicle, and showed signs of shaken baby syndrome.
Parker and Johnson, who were living in a tent at the time, were arrested within hours of arriving at the hospital. They were charged with felony child abuse, but the charges were upgraded to murder once the medical examiner ruled their daughter’s death a homicide. Both are being held without bond in the city jail.
Jane Harper, jane.harper@pilotonline.com
