A Texas judge sentenced a 33-year-old woman to 50 years in prison for the 2019 death of her boyfriend’s daughter.
According to the District Attorney’s Office of Harris County, a jury convicted Shawna Hooey on April 3 of murder, in connection with the death of Jakyzia Alexander, 4.
Hoovey was taking care of Jakyzia and her own five children on September 7, 2019, when she brought the girl to an emergency room, prosecutors said. The victim’s father, who had sole custody of Jakyzia, was working night shifts at the time of the incident.
The defendant lived with Jakyzia’s father and her children in Tomball when the incident occurred.
“Because of his work schedule, Jakyzia’s father stayed with family members who lived closer to his job and seldom saw his daughter,” a press release by the DA’s office said. “He did not see her for at least two months before her death, except through video calls.”
Medical staff at the hospital said the victim’s body was already cold when she arrived, with a visible black eye and other injuries, according to prosecutors. Hooey then provided conflicting explanations to medical personnel and investigators about the events leading to the girl’s condition.
Hoovey initially claimed Jakyzia was having issues breathing, so she drove her around in a hot car before seeking medical help. Later, Hooey changed her story, alleging Jakyzia had sustained injuries from running into a doorknob or throwing herself against a toilet paper holder in the bathroom.
“Further examination showed that the girl had signs of repeated past abuse, including injuries that were fresh, some that were resolving and others that were healed,” the release read.
“An autopsy showed that Jakyzia died from blunt force trauma to the head. The injury that killed her would have resulted in seizures, vomiting and dazed reactions almost immediately.”
Hoovey must serve at least half of her sentence before parole eligibility.
For the latest true crime and justice news, subscribe to the ‘Crime Stories with Nancy Grace’ podcast.
[Feature Photo: Jakyzia Alexander/Harris County DA]
