MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Two days after a one-year-old was pronounced deceased after sustaining multiple injuries, the two people charged in her murder appeared in court.
The judge told the pair that this could potentially be a death penalty case if they are found guilty. They have been ordered back to court to inform the judge whether they can afford their attorney.
Kali Moore was pronounced deceased early Saturday morning after doctors at LeBonheur Children’s Hospital said she suffered from skull fractures, a brain bleed and even blood in the lungs.
The two people charged in her murder, her 21-year-old aunt Kiya Moore and her 34-year-old boyfriend Dejon Smith stood before a judge on Monday.
Smith was up first and after the judge read aloud the felony charges of first-degree murder, child abuse and neglect before resetting the case to the following day.
Next up was Moore, who was out on bond for child abuse charges.
She is facing the same charges as Smith.
Judge Karen Massey asked Moore’s grandmother, Margaret Calicott if they’d be hiring a lawyer. She responded that the family hadn’t yet, but they planned to.
And with that, her case was also reset.
NewsNation affiliate WREG spoke with Mrs. Calicott outside of court who said that times are especially hard as she is fighting for her granddaughter while grieving the loss of her great-granddaughter.
“The sad part is I was the last one to hold her (Kali) in my arms,” Calicott said. “When I got her, she was already limp and so when we got to the hospital, I gave her to the nurses. So, I was the last one to actually hold my baby in my arms.”
Mrs. Calicott was comforted by her husband, who said he’s also struggling to understand exactly what happened.
“All I can say is what I’ve said – we will always love Kali and we will always love Kiya because we’re a loving family,” James Calicott said.