A Lee County father is behind bars after the death of his 2-month-old daughter.
Opelika Police Chief Shane Healey on Friday announced a murder charge against 19-year-old Demarcus Treias Smith, of Opelika in the death of Maliyah Stormi Smith.
“These are the kinds of cases that take a piece of your soul,’’ Healey said. “The entire Opelika Police Department mourns the loss of baby Maliyah, and our thoughts are with her mother and family as they deal with this excruciating loss.”
Police responded about 11:40 a.m. Tuesday to East Alabama Medical Center on a report of a dead child. Healey said investigators learned the baby girl had been taken to the emergency room by her father.
Efforts to revive her were unsuccessful. An investigation was immediately launched.
Healey said Officer Brandon Phillips initially responded to the call and “identified the red flags” that began the investigation.
“His keen sense for detecting something is not right marks him as a true asset to our department,” said the chief, who praised the work of all the investigators involved.
Maliyah suffered from head trauma and internal injuries. Authorities determined the injuries were sustained while the baby was in the care of her father.
Investigators carried out a search warrant Thursday at the family’s home.
At that time, Smith was taken to police headquarters for question and the chief said he provided details which corroborated evidence linking him to his daughter’s death.
He was formally charged just before 3:30 p.m. Thursday with murder and remains held in the Lee County Detention Center.
“These detectives will continue to work with the coroner’s office and the district attorney’s office to see that baby Maliyah receives the justice she is due,’’ Healey said.
Maliyah’s mother, Nakeirra Bailey, is heartbroken over the death and said her daughter was such a happy baby.
“I’m going to forever miss her smile and little coo’s and her being with me,’' Bailey said. “She’s going to forever live through her mommy. I miss my baby girl so much.”
A GoFundMe has been launched to help with funeral costs. Donations can be made here.
Anyone with investigation is asked to call detectives 334-705-5220 or the Secret Witness Hotline at 334-745-8665. Tips can be submitted through our Opelika Police Mobile App as well.
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