A mother and stepfather in New Jersey have been charged with murder after prosecutors alleged that a nine-year-old girl was beaten to death at their home in Paulsboro, Gloucester County.
India Miller, 27, and Sean Scott, 45, are accused of killing the child, who was found not breathing shortly after 1am on Tuesday, 13 October. Both are being held at Salem County Jail.
According to court documents, Scott told police the girl had been walking the family dog when she may have been struck by a car. Miller reportedly said she heard a noise resembling screeching tyres before Scott found the child near a shed.
However, doctors who examined the girl at hospital found facial trauma, widespread bruising and internal injuries which were not consistent with a road collision. She was pronounced dead at 6.42pm.
Investigators also reviewed surveillance footage from nearby properties and found no vehicles travelling through the area at the time of the alleged incident, prosecutors said.
Blood was discovered on bathroom tiles, children’s clothing and cleaning equipment, including a mop, according to investigators. Prosecutors allege the couple attempted to clean the bathroom before calling police.
The girl’s four-year-old sibling told police that Scott had struck her in the eyes and face, according to court records.
An autopsy found multiple blunt-force injuries, including broken ribs, a ruptured colon and injuries in different stages of healing. The medical examiner ruled the death a homicide, with the pattern of injuries suggesting the child may have suffered prolonged abuse.
Miller and Scott each face first-degree murder and first-degree accomplice-to-murder charges, as well as two counts of second-degree endangering the welfare of a child. They are also charged with hindering an investigation and making a fictitious report to police.
The couple could face life in prison if convicted. No lawyer speaking on their behalf had been identified.
