District Attorney Summer Summerford stated that Christopher Alexander O’Neal was given a LIFE sentence for the charges of aggravated child abuse; that, at the conclusion of a sentencing hearing held on Friday (October 13th, 2023) by Circuit Judge Shaunathan Bell.
A panel of jurors, the State, and O’Neal appeared on Monday, August 21st (2023) to begin a criminal jury trial. Prior to a jury being sworn and seated, O’Neal entered an “open plea” to the charge of aggravated child abuse.
No agreement was reached as to the length of a sentence; and therefore, Judge Bell set a sentencing hearing. Because of the young age of the child, this is a Class A felony and O’Neal faced a range of punishment of 10 years – 99 years, or Life. In March of 2022, a two-month-old baby girl was taken to the emergency room at Kennestone Hospital in Marietta, Georgia – with serious physical injuries. The infant was immediately transferred to Children’s Hospital of Atlanta – where experts agreed that all of her injuries were consistent with child abuse.
Through an investigation that began with the Marietta Police Department, quickly including investigators with the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office, it was determined that during the time the serious physical injuries occurred the parents and child had been located in Cherokee County, Alabama.
Through interviews with both parents – as well as interviews with other family members – search warrants, and cell phone records, the father, Christopher Alexander O’Neal was arrested.
Because he was under the age of 18 at the time of the arrest, no public statement could be made pursuant to the Alabama Confidentiality Act.
Summerford said – “This case has been very hard on everyone who played a part in caring for this child or putting together this investigation. Not only will the child have to deal with consequences of the actions of someone who should have protected her, but family members on all sides are hurting from this terrible ordeal. Please join me in praying for this child and the family members who have lived through this horrible situation. Children are our greatest gift. We will use all the resources at our disposal to make sure they are protected,”
The case was prosecuted by Summerford and Assistant District Attorney Stanna Guice.
