On May 2nd, 2023, two-year-old Trinity Maria Kyles was found dead in a hotel room in Duluth, Georgia. Her babysitter, Malik Kyrie Kennedy, was the last person to see her alive.
Trinity’s mother, Rosie Kyes, had left for work earlier that day, leaving Kennedy in charge of her daughter. Upon returning to the Quality Inn hotel room, Rosie found Trinity lying unresponsive on the bed. Panicked, she immediately called 911.
Body camera footage from the responding officer shows the chaotic scene as he attempted to stabilize Trinity while waiting for paramedics to arrive. In the background, Rosie and Kennedy can be heard arguing, with Rosie demanding answers. Kennedy, however, remained eerily silent.
Paramedics continued life-saving measures for several minutes, but tragically, Trinity never regained consciousness. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
A History of Abuse Revealed
Kennedy was taken into custody and interrogated by detectives. Initially, he claimed that Trinity’s injuries were accidental, stating she had hit her head on the headboard and that he had only “pinched” her cheek as a form of discipline. However, as the interrogation progressed, inconsistencies and disturbing details emerged.
Body camera footage of police entering a hotel room
Image: Police officers arrive at the scene of the crime
Kennedy admitted to giving Trinity melatonin, despite the supplement being intended for children three years and older. He also revealed a history of physical discipline, stating he had “pinched” Trinity in the past. However, the severity of Trinity’s injuries, including bruising on her face and cuts on her lip, contradicted Kennedy’s claims.
Further investigation uncovered text messages between Kennedy and Rosie, revealing Kennedy’s growing frustration and anger towards Trinity. In one message, he referred to the toddler as “irritating.”
Justice for Trinity
During the trial, the medical examiner ruled Trinity’s death a homicide, citing blunt force trauma as the cause. The jury found Malik Kyrie Kennedy guilty of murder. He was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole on May 2nd, 2024, three years to the day after Trinity’s tragic death.
Image of Trinity Maria Kyles, a 2-year-old girl
Image: Trinity Maria Kyles, a vibrant toddler full of life, tragically lost her life at the hands of her babysitter.
Trinity’s family held a candlelight vigil in her honor, remembering her as a bright, joyful child. Though nothing can bring back their little girl, the family finds some solace in knowing that justice has been served.
