Father's charges upgraded to include murder after toddler dies with severe burn, skull fracture
Examiners said that the child had different injuries "from her head to her toes."
December 9, 2018
"COWETA COUNTY, Ga. — The father of a 2-year-old who died after severe alleged abuse now faces a murder charge.
Daniel “DJ” Lenwood Lee, 28, initially faced charges of second degree child cruelty for the death of his daughter Aleigha, who died with a fractured skull, severe burns and multiple bruises.
Prosecutors, however, argued he should face the more serious charge of murder because he did not intervene to help his daughter. A Coweta County magistrate judge agreed, after he found probable cause for Lee.
His wife, Elizabeth Lynn Lee, 29, meanwhile is still charged with felony murder and aggravated battery....
According to a warrant from Coweta County, the child suffered "excessive physical and mental pain" from a severe burn on her right leg, a skull fracture and other injuries.
Examiners said that the child had different injuries "from her head to her toes." There were bruises and ligature marks around her neck, along with a burn that extended from her hip area all the way to her foot....
Medical examiners determined that the child had blunt force trauma to her face, had a swollen brain and lacerated liver. The 2-year-old also suffered dehydration and severe burns. Investigators ruled the injuries as "non-accidental trauma."..."
Father's charges upgraded to include murder after toddler dies with severe burn, skull fracture
(Aleigha Lee)