A 71-year-old woman, one in all two people accused of killing a 3-year-old Georgia boy on Easter Sunday, has been arrested in connection along with his death, in response to authorities.
Barbara Edwards was identified by police as a babysitter for the toddler, Armani Lyons, who was fatally shot at an apartment in Atlanta on April 5, WAGA-TV reported.
The evening of Monday, April 13, Edwards was arrested on charges of cruelty to children, murder, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon in connection along with his death, the Atlanta Police Department announced in an update on Tuesday, April 14.
One other person, 35-year-old Jermaine Hardeman, also faces the identical charges within the boy’s murder, in response to police, who said Hardeman was not in custody as of April 14.
It was not currently clear whether Edwards or Hardeman had attorneys who could comment on their behalf.
Before Edwards’ arrest, Armani Lyons’ grandmother, Trinetta Julian, made a public plea to Edwards and Hardeman while speaking with WSB-TV.
“Just turn yourself in,” Julian said. “Turn yourself in, please.”
Armani was killed weeks before what would have been his fourth birthday on May 3, in response to a GoFundMe page created by Dinisha Lyons in support of funeral-related expenses for Armani.
“Our sweet Armani was taken from us far too soon attributable to senseless gun violence … Armani was vigorous, joy, and innocence — a vibrant light who brought smiles to everyone he met,” the page reads, partly. “No family is ever prepared for a loss like this.”
Edwards had been babysitting Armani on Easter while his parent had been working, Atlanta Assistant Police Chief Carvan Tyrus said at an April 6 news conference, in response to Atlanta News First.
“One way or the other, that 3-year-old finally ends up with a gunshot wound to the top,” Tyrus told news outlets.
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After Atlanta officers responded to the April 5 shooting, the toddler was taken to a close-by hospital in an ambulance, in response to police.
He was declared dead on the hospital, police said.
On Sunday, April 12, the Atlanta Police Department announced “investigators were able to ascertain probable cause and procure arrest warrants” for Edwards and Hardeman.
A possible motive for the fatal shooting was not specified by law enforcement.
“Rest peacefully, baby Armani,” the GoFundMe page says. “You’ll ceaselessly be loved and never forgotten.”
Julian told WSB-TV that her grandson “still must be here.”
“That’s my baby,” she said while speaking with the TV station.