Tragically, a toddler from the Bronx has died about a week after it was determined that surgery was needed to remove part of her skull due to severe abuse. This came after her mother’s boyfriend viciously assaulted her.
One-year-old Imani Mitchell was taken to Harlem Hospital in critical condition following an incident on the evening of August 28. Jerome Thomas, who was responsible for her care, reportedly attacked her multiple times, inflicting serious injuries.
The assault led to significant brain injury, including extensive bleeding, swelling, and pressure inside her skull, ultimately requiring surgery to relieve the pressure, as detailed in the criminal charges.
Despite being placed on life support, Imani’s condition worsened, and she sadly passed away in the hospital on Friday. Authorities have classified her death as murder.
Authorities report that Imani was attacked in a Woodstock apartment while her mother was away. Thomas, at just 19 years old, was initially charged with felony assault, endangerment, and reckless endangerment of a minor, but those charges may be upgraded following Imani’s death. He is currently being held without bail.
The incident took place around 9:30 PM in an apartment near Union Avenue and East 152nd Avenue, after Imani’s mother briefly left the scene.
Thomas is scheduled to appear in court on September 18.
Neighbors have expressed concern over the couple’s frequent arguments. One neighbor, Nicole Lacroix, mentioned having spent some time with Imani and her mother, recalling, “I held the baby for a bit; she was active and playful.” Lacroix noted that she had witnessed ongoing conflicts, hearing loud disputes often enough to worry about their well-being.
Describing the atmosphere, Lacroix stated, “They fight every night. I’ve heard it consistently since they moved in… It’s like a cycle; she throws his things out, yet they always seem to reconcile the same day.”
