Jadien Harvey

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On July 11, Kerma Matthew’s was caring for his live in girlfriend four children, age from eight months to five years old, when he abused them. Police were called to check on “four sick children,” but their mother, Ashley Harvey, denied he hurt them, claiming not to know who did. He was already serving time on child cruelty charges for abusing four year old Ashton. Even though Harvey claimed not to know who abused her children, Ashton said that Matthew punched him in the stomach until he vomited, and also punched Jadien.

 

Two year old Jadien died 16 minutes after he was taken to Southern Regional Medical Center. His older four year old brother Ashton was treated for fatigue and vomiting. A medical exam of the child performed at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta indicated he suffered elevated liver and pancreatic enzymes, a serosal tear in his small intestines, a bruise on his lower back, a spinal compression fracture, a fracture of his left shin bone that showed no signs of healing and a condition where his skeletal muscle fibers were rapidly breaking down. Dr. Tamika J. Bryant told police that because the child had no history of trauma, his injuries were indicative of physical abuse. Bryant told police Ashton suffered his abdominal injury between 7:45 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. She told police the injury could have been fatal if it had not been treated in a timely manner. The GBI autopsy report indicated Jadien suffered a skull fracture, bruises to his scalp, and bleeding in his brain and abdomen.

 

Ashley Harvey, the mother of the children defended Matthew’s. "I don't care what the police charge him with, because he did not do nothing," said Harvey. Harvey says she still needs answers as to exactly what happened to her children. Harvey, who is pregnant with another child, believes the entire explanation from police is questionable. "You can't hit someone and put a hole in their intestines," said Harvey. Harvey is upset that her three surviving children have been placed in the Department of Family and Children Services custody. "Clayton County is taking everything from me. I have nothing," she said.

 

Matthews was charged with murder, two counts of aggravated assault and two counts of child cruelty. I currently could not find sentencing information.

 

 

Age: 2 Years

Location: Georgia

Suspect in death: Kemra Matthews, Stepfather

Unknown