A Mississippi woman stands trial for the death of her stepdaughter for the second time in two years.
T’Kia Bevily is charged with killing 14-month-old Jurayah Smith. Her trial began Monday in Monroe County.
Day one of the trial consisted of jury selection. More than 300 people are being vetted during this process. Of those, 12 will be selected to be on the jury.
They will determine whether T’Kia Bevily is innocent or guilty of the murder charge.
SEE ALSO: Trial Location Moved For Mississippi Capital Murder Case Of Jurayah Smith
October of 2017 is when Jurayah Smith died while in the care of her father, Morris Bevily, and his wife, T’Kia. Investigators say Jurayah received multiple blunt-force injuries to her head.
In May of 2019, the Bevilys turned themselves in. Both were charged with capital murder.
Then, in January of 2021, T’Kia was found guilty of killing her stepdaughter and was sentenced to life in prison without parole.
However, months later in September of that same year, a judge overturned the conviction due to jury misconduct.
SEE ALSO: Mississippi Woman Convicted Of Killing 14-Month-Old Stepdaughter Granted New Trial
Court records show that a juror was the victim’s great uncle, even though he did not reveal that fact during jury questioning.
A judge then issued a new trial, which began Monday. T’Kia’s legal team asked for a change of venue because they didn’t believe they’d get a fair trial in Claiborne County.
That’s why the trial was moved nearly four hours away to Monroe County.
Jurayah’s father, who was also charged with capital murder, was supposed to stand trial in 2021 after T’Kia. So far, he has not gone to trial. Still no word on why that is.
Court will resume Tuesday morning at 9 a.m. We will be following this trial throughout its entirety.
Tell us your thoughts...