A Bronx mother, Navasia Jones, 35, who admitted to beating her 7-year-old daughter, chose to avoid appearing in court on Tuesday.
She crossed paths with Julicia Batties’ father and grandmother, who was prepared to deliver a passionate victim impact statement at the Bronx Supreme Court, where Jones faces a 15-year prison sentence.
“She’s avoiding what I have to say,” Julius Batties remarked. “She’s probably afraid to confront her daughter’s father after what she did. It feels like she needs to be forced to listen to us.”
Jones has recently pleaded guilty to manslaughter for the abuse of Julicia, whose lifeless body was discovered in their Bronx apartment on August 10, 2021.
Yolanda Davis, Julicia’s grandmother, expressed her frustration on Tuesday, saying, “She claimed she was overwhelmed. But what about my granddaughter? How can she say that after what she did?”
Davis expressed a desire for Jones to hear the impact her actions had on the family and the community: “She has shown no remorse.”
Judge Joseph McCormack stated that Jones would be compelled to attend the sentencing in person on June 16, despite her prior absence from court.
During the proceedings, McCormack highlighted that Jones had refused to come upstairs to the court and informed her attorney, Edward Sapone, about her absence.
The city’s child services agency had previously investigated the family but ultimately returned Julicia to Jones’ custody after initially removing her.
Tragically, recordings obtained before Julicia’s death show her pleading to stay with her grandmother during visits.
Additionally, Julicia’s half-brother, Paul Fine Jr., has been charged in connection with her death, reportedly stating he punched her eight times.
In March, he was released while Jones faced manslaughter charges.
Davis and Julius continue to seek closure, grappling with the failures of the child protection system that should have kept Julicia safe.
“We need to find closure so she can rest in peace,” Davis reflected. “It’s heartbreaking. I’m just so angry. I wish for her to finally find peace.”
