BSO Arrests Father, Girlfriend In Death Of Toddler
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BROWARD (CBSMiami) – The Broward Sheriff's Office announced they have arrested a father and his girlfriend in the death of a 2-year-old girl.
Larry Haynes and Amber McCray are both facing a first degree murder charge for Za'mya Williams' death.
Za'mya's mother, Shanika Williams, says she's waited 7 months for the arrests.
"Justice finally came for my baby. She deserve it," Williams told CBS 4's Carey Codd. "(It's been) 7 long months of sleepless nights."
Za'mya was found unconscious and unresponsive in Haynes' residence at 1101 NW 30 Terrace on November 19, 2015.
Haynes told police he realized his daughter wasn't breathing at around 2:30 a.m. after having gone to use the bathroom.
Haynes told investigators he carried Za'mya out to the living room and called out to his mother, Sharon Haynes.
Sharon Haynes dialed 911 and then administered CPR to Za'mya. Paramedics arrived and tried to resuscitate Za'mya but were unsuccessful. The 2-year-old girl died at a nearby hospital.
"It's not fair to no one that you have to lay a two year old down for abuse," Shanika Williams said.
An application for an arrest warrant states Larry Haynes abused and neglected Za'mya.
Dr. Stephen Robinson, an associate medical examiner for Broward County, ruled Za'mya died from blunt force trauma to the abdomen and head. Robinson's findings stated the manner of death to be a homicide.
The Medical Examiner ruled that Za'mya's "injuries could not have been caused by accidental falls."
Investigators believe that Za'mya suffered injuries to liver and kidneys four to 6 hours prior to her death and other injuries a few days before that.
The arrest report says that Za'mya could've survived with prompt medical care but that "(Haynes) did not make any attempt to get her medical attention."
Shanika Williams has faced unbearable sadness – losing a child and having to explain all of this to Za'mya's older sister.
Williams says Za'mya lit up a room and loved people. She clings to Za'mya's Dora the Explorer doll and memories of the child taken from her much too soon.
"I remember her smile," Williams said. "It keeps me going. Her smile really keeps me going."