A 23-year-old man is facing charges after his girlfriend’s 21-month-old son died from suspected abuse and violent impacts earlier this month.
Homicide Investigation into Death of 21-Month-Old Kareem Keita
Paramedics were called to Aminata Keita’s home on May 2 for an unresponsive 21-month-old, identified as Kareem Keita. The child was taken to Cincinnati Children’s Hospital ICU where he died three days later, according to the crime report of True Crime Daily.
Medical examinations revealed Kareem suffered cardiac arrest, multiple fractures, a rib fracture with subdural hemorrhage, liver lacerations, retinal hemorrhages, and brain swelling from a brain bleed. Doctors determined his injuries were caused by violent impacts or blows ruling his death a homicide.
Edward Murray, the mother’s boyfriend of three months is the primary suspect. On the night of the incident, Murray was alone with Kareem and claimed he put him to bed without dinner because the child was tired. He then smoked marijuana with his girlfriend leaving Kareem unmonitored.
(photo: WCPO)
Edward Murray Charged with Murder in Death
The next morning, Murray was again alone with Kareem when the child was found unresponsive. Murray couldn’t explain the severe injuries leading to further suspicion.
On May 20, Hamilton County Prosecutor Melissa Powers announced Murray’s indictment on two counts of murder, one count of felonious assault and one count of child endangering. He faces life in prison if convicted and is held on a $1 million bond.
The prosecutor’s office reported that doctors determined Kareem’s injuries were caused by “violent impacts or delivered blows.” Investigators grew more suspicious of Murray as he had no plausible explanation for the injuries.
