A mother in Georgia has admitted guilt in a murder case involving her eight-year-old daughter’s death in 2021, as confirmed by authorities on Wednesday. Brittany Hall, aged 31, received a life sentence after being found guilty of several charges, including felony murder, 11 counts of child cruelty, concealing a death, and making false statements, as announced by the Gwinnett County District Attorney’s Office.
Together with her partner Celeste Owens, who was previously convicted of 20 counts and sentenced to life plus 235 years, Hall subjected her three children to abuse, resulting in the death of one child. The emaciated body of the youngster was later found in a nearby wooded area.
On November 19, 2021, Hall and Owens reported that Amari Hall, the eight-year-old, had gone missing while they were staying in a hotel with Hall’s children. However, authorities became suspicious of their account upon discovering evidence of child mistreatment. Surveillance footage from the hotel room captured the couple assaulting all three children.
Further investigations revealed troubling internet searches on Owens’ phone, including queries like “What to do when a child doesn’t listen,” “Lakes near me,” and “How do I report someone missing.” CCTV footage also showed Owens renting a U-Haul truck and transporting it to DeKalb County, where Amari’s body was eventually located.
According to officials, Owens repeatedly struck Amari on the head, with Hall aiding in covering up the crime. A medical examiner testified that the girl weighed only 54 pounds at the time of her death, displaying signs of abuse, such as a lacerated liver.
During the trial, Dr. Jamie Downs described the injuries, stating, “Something struck the outside of Amari’s body and crushed her liver against her spine.” Additionally, crime scene investigator Kia Jimenez noted the discovery of the child’s body wrapped in white bin bags, showing signs of cuts on her arms.
Owens was convicted on numerous charges, including malice murder, felony murder, aggravated battery, aggravated assault, and child cruelty. Expressing the severity of the case, Sabrina Nizam, the deputy chief assistant district attorney, emphasized the lasting impact of the trial’s images and testimonies.
Gwinnett County District Attorney Patsy Austin-Gatson highlighted Hall’s failure to protect her children and her involvement in the abuse, leading to a tragic outcome. The district attorney expressed hope for the healing of the surviving siblings and extended family following the sentencing.