Clayton News Daily

By Jason A. Smith

jsmith@henryherald.com

In the wake of a toddler's death last weekend, authorities in Henry County have apprehended a second suspect in the case - the baby's mother.

Holly Anne-Marie Smith-Seck, 31, of Stockbridge, faces two counts of cruelty to children in the second degree, following the death of her 20-month-old daughter, Savannah.

The incident, which led to her arrest, allegedly took place Sunday at 3203 Peridot Pkwy., in Stockbridge.

Henry County Police said Smith-Seck exhibited "criminal negligence," in the days prior to the baby's death, by allowing her boyfriend, 31-year-old Jamal Tinsley, to allegedly abuse her children while he was babysitting them.

According to Police Capt. Jason Bolton, the alleged abuse went on for a three-day period, prior to the day the baby died. "The children were pinched, beaten, and struck by Tinsley," the captain said. "[They] received visible physical injuries, including bruising."

Authorities responded to a call at the apartment Sunday, which indicated Savannah Seck was not breathing. An autopsy later revealed the baby had suffered several internal injuries.

Tinsley was charged earlier this week with felony murder and malice murder. He also faces two counts of cruelty to children in the first degree, and is currently being held in jail. A hearing in his case is scheduled for Aug. 15.

Smith-Seck turned herself in to the Henry County Sheriff's Office Thursday, and appeared before Henry County Magistrate Court Judge Wesley Shannon Friday morning.

Her bond was set at $10,000, and the case was bound over to Henry County Superior Court.