A 32-year-old high school teacher in Georgia, Kianna Davis, was arrested over the weekend in connection with the murder of a 2-year-old child, Karter Ambrose, in 2020.
Davis, along with co-defendant Kiyon Devoy Benton, faces charges including malice murder, felony murder, cruelty to children, aggravated assault, and more, as per FOX5.
Georgia Teacher Arrested in Toddler's Murder
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 24: Student backpacks hang on the backs of classroom chairs on the second to last day of school as New York City public schools prepare to wrap up the year at Yung Wing School P.S. 124 on June 24, 2022 in New York City. Approximately 75% of NYC public schools enrolled fewer students for the 2021/2022 school year due to the pandemic.
The indictment alleges that the pair murdered Karter Ambrose by beating him with a blunt object between November 15 and 17, 2020, resulting in a lacerated liver. Another individual, Kiyton Benton, is also charged in relation to the murder but is not reported to be in custody. The exact relationship between the defendants and the child is unspecified in the documents.
The shocking revelation comes just before the third anniversary of Karter Ambrose's death, prompting a renewed focus on the tragic events. Davis was taken into custody wearing a Seckinger High School sweater, where she is confirmed to be a teacher, according to the school's principal, Jimmy Fisher.
In a letter to parents, Fisher disclosed that Davis has not been at work for the past two weeks and is not allowed on campus during the investigation. The arrest has left the school community in shock and raised concerns about the safety of the students.
On her LinkedIn profile, Davis identified herself as a computer science teacher in the Gwinnet County Public Schools system since January 2021. A Mercer University and Central Georgia Technical College graduate, she obtained a Master of Arts in Teaching from Mercer in 2023.
The arrest has also brought attention to a GoFundMe page set up in the wake of Karter Ambrose's death to assist his family with funeral expenses. The crowdfunding page, which raised nearly $14,000, describes Karter's unexpected passing on November 17, 2020, without mentioning Davis, according to Mail Online.
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Firefighter's Son Murdered
Karter's father, Kadeem Ambrose, a firefighter with the Warner Robbins Fire Department since 2015, has been actively involved in life-saving efforts. In August 2020, he received the Life Saving Valor Award for performing CPR and saving a man's life while off-duty.
The indictment against Davis and Benton outlines charges of malice murder, felony murder, cruelty to children, aggravated assault, second-degree murder, and cruelty to children in the second degree. Notably, the second-degree murder charges stem from the alleged failure to seek immediate medical attention for Karter's lacerated liver.
While both defendants were indicted on October 17, the reasons for Davis's delayed arrest until last week remain unclear. The collaborative effort by various law enforcement agencies, including the Warner Robins Police Department and the Houston County District Attorney's Office, led to a thorough investigation resulting in the charges.
Seckinger High School Principal Jimmy Fisher's letter to parents emphasized that the district's Human Resources Division is investigating the matter. Davis will not be allowed on campus while the situation remains unresolved.
The school community faces the challenging task of addressing the aftermath of a teacher's arrest for such a heinous crime, and parents are being reassured that the students are "in good hands" despite the shocking developments, Law and Crime reported.
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