Stepdad On Death Row after He Punched Son Multiple Times for not finding Juice Box in Mississippi
Biloxi, MS: A 41-year-old man has been sentenced to death row following his conviction for the fatal beating of his 2-year-old stepson in Mississippi, as reported.
According to the Sun Herald newspaper, the jury in Biloxi reached a decision after two hours regarding the punishment for Joseph David Heard in the tragic death of Hayden Lee Bataille. Heard was swiftly convicted of first-degree murder by the jurors in a mere 45 minutes.
According to records, Hayden’s mother and Heard’s wife, Hailey Heard, has already been convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison. According to reports, she provided testimony against him during the trial.
“God have mercy on your soul,” Judge Larry Bourgeois reportedly said.
Mississippi Man Fatally Shot in Barrage of Bullets, Car Riddled, Glass Shattered at Rural Convenience Store
On December 16, 2021, paramedics discovered Hayden in an unconscious state following a distress call made by his father. The victim was pronounced dead by doctors after 11 days. According to the court, the incident occurred because Hayden took an excessive amount of time to locate a juice box.
According to the Sun Herald, Joseph Heard was involved in a physical altercation with the boy, striking him multiple times in the mouth and head.
According to reports, Hailey Heard testified that her husband persisted in assaulting the toddler despite the child’s cries. During her testimony, she recounted the incident where she witnessed her husband lifting the boy with one hand and striking him with the other. According to reports, she allegedly covered her son’s mouth and suffocated him.
“It was one of the most horrific scenes I’ve witnessed as an ER doctor,” Dr. Leanne Lee testified. “I had never seen a kid that had sustained so much trauma.”
Former Sheriff’s Deputy Arrested on Molestation Charges in Mississippi
During his trial, Joseph Heard testified and reportedly denied ever hearing the boy. He attributed the injuries to the toddler’s rough play. Hailey Heard detailed the physical abuse inflicted upon Hayden by her husband as a form of punishment.
During the trial, emergency room doctors provided a detailed account of Hayden’s severe injuries.
According to reports, Harrison County District Attorney Crosby Parker stated that he felt compelled to pursue the death penalty due to the extremely violent and cruel nature of the crime.
“It was one of the most horrific scenes I’ve witnessed as an ER doctor,” Dr. Leanne Lee testified, according to the Sun Herald. “I had never seen a kid that had sustained so much trauma.”
