A Georgia couple has been convicted in a child abuse case involving their 4-month-old son, after a five-day trial and three hours of jury deliberation.
On August 26, Cherokee County District Attorney Susan K. Treadaway announced that Derrick Lenard Bessix was found guilty of cruelty to children in the second degree and contributing to the dependency of a minor. His partner, Allison Catherine Keener, was convicted of contributing to the dependency of a minor for failing to provide adequate parental care.
The case dates back to September 2020, when a pediatrician raised concerns during the child’s routine check-up. According to investigators, the infant was referred to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, where doctors discovered multiple fractures in both legs and the ribs. Medical experts testified that the rib injuries had occurred earlier, while the leg fractures were more recent — indicating ongoing harm.
The couple lived in the Hickory Flat neighborhood at the time of the abuse. Prosecutors argued that Bessix caused the injuries and that Keener failed to protect the child.
“While the State argued Bessix intentionally caused the injuries, the jury instead found that the injuries were inflicted with criminal negligence,” the DA’s office stated.
During the trial, the state presented testimony from more than a dozen witnesses, including pediatric specialists and a representative from the Division of Family & Children Services. Prosecutors emphasized that the infant received little to no proper care at home.
The defense called both defendants to testify, but the jury ultimately found the couple guilty on multiple charges.
District Attorney Treadaway expressed relief that the case resulted in accountability for the couple. Sentencing is scheduled for September 4, when both Bessix and Keener will learn their punishment.
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