According to KSDK.com, Jurors have convicted the Jennings man standing trial in the death of a two year old child and injuring of a second little boy, while he was suppose to be babysitting the children.
21-year old Brandon Whitby was found guilty of second degree murder and child abuse yesterday (Thurs., Mar. 24) in the death of Makik Duff and the injuring of the toddler’s nine month old brother in August 2009.
Prosecutors say Whitby beat the two children with a belt, leaving the older boy dead of blunt trauma to the head. The younger child was also beaten repeatedly but survived.
Police reports in the case showed that both of the children involved had access to a loaded 9 millimeter handgun hidden in a toy car as well as powder later analyzed to be heroin within the reach of the two little boys at their home in the 1100 block of Linton.
Despite that evidence, the jury acquitted Whitby on the child endangerment and assault charges filed in the case.
Sentencing is slated for next month.
Information from KSDK.com contributed to this report.