A Louisiana woman has been found guilty of first-degree murder in a case involving the death of her boyfriend's young daughter, who prosecutors said was repeatedly abused in a 'dungeon-like' bedroom.
Conviction After Quick Deliberation
Terrie Gray, 49, of Leesville, was convicted by a jury after just five minutes of deliberation for the murder of 4-year-old Athena Rose Denise Miller. She was also found guilty of second-degree child abuse involving Athena's two-year-old brother, Salem, according to KPLC.
The children and their father, Logan Miller, 26, had moved into Gray's home in 2024, authorities said.
Teen Daughter's Testimony
The court heard emotional testimony from Gray's teenage daughter, Scarlett, who described the abuse timeline after the children moved in. Scarlett testified that she once saw her mother in the bathroom standing behind Athena with the girl's 'arms pulled straight backwards,' as reported by the American Press.
'Over time, I saw the scratches on her body, and I saw the marks under her neck getting worse,' Scarlett said.
She also testified that she found Athena unconscious in her room and performed CPR before the child was taken to a local hospital and airlifted to a trauma facility in Shreveport.
'I could barely feel (a pulse), and the breaths from her nose seemed to be coming from me doing the compressions,' she said. Athena died a day later, on Nov. 7, 2024.
Medical Evidence of Abuse
Forensic pathologist Dr. Barbara Herfel testified that Athena suffered 'multiple events of trauma,' including a bilateral brain bleed, multiple fractures, a broken clavicle, and burns on her face and neck, the American Press reported. Graphic autopsy photos were shown in court, along with photos of injuries on Salem's body.
Child abuse pediatrician Dr. Jennifer Rodriguez testified that Athena's injuries were 'non-accidental,' while Salem's injuries were consistent with neglect or abuse, KPLC reported.
Sentencing and Charges
Gray's sentencing is scheduled for Aug. 25. Under Louisiana law, she faces a mandatory life sentence. The children's father, Logan Miller, has also been charged, with his trial set to begin Oct. 19.
