Man Pleads Guilty to Life for
Torture and Murder of 2-Year-Old Girl
June 3, 2025
(Jackson, MS) Hinds County District Attorney Jody E. Owens, II, announced yesterday that Jermarcus Kelly, 23, has pleaded guilty to First Degree Murder in the death of a 2-year-old girl, who was found unresponsive and severely injured at a home on Troy Avenue in Jackson.
On or around March 5, 2022, the victim was rushed to the University of Mississippi Medical Center after she was discovered unconscious at the residence. Despite efforts, the toddler was pronounced dead at the hospital. An investigation by Jackson Police Department revealed that the victim had suffered extensive physical abuse while in the care of Kelly.
Kelly entered a guilty plea to First Degree Murder and will be serving a life sentence in prison without the possibility of parole under the custody of the Mississippi Department of Corrections.
“There is no punishment that can undo what this child endured, but life in prison is the bare minimum for someone who inflicted such cruelty,” said District Attorney Jody E. Owens, II. “Jermarcus Kelly will spend the rest of his life behind bars. The victim’s family will never get back what was taken, but we hope knowing Kelly will never again know freedom will bring them one step closer to healing.”
2-year-old dies, man charged with capital murder
Click here for the full press release.
