Babysitter Sentenced to Life After Beating Two Children, Leading to Toddler’s Death

Makallie Elizabeth Durham, a babysitter from Mississippi, has been sentenced to life in prison after pleading guilty to capital murder and child abuse. This follows the tragic death of two-year-old Kristian Harris, who was found unresponsive in her care in September 2022, reported by Yahoo.

Durham, who was looking after Kristian and his 11-month-old sister, was arrested after emergency services were called to a property in Corinth, Mississippi. When authorities arrived, they found Kristian with severe bruising and marks on his body. Both children were taken to the hospital, but Kristian tragically died from his injuries two days later.

After a lengthy investigation, it was revealed that Durham had repeatedly abused the children. She was convicted of hitting Kristian “in the face or head” on three separate occasions between September 9 and 13, 2022. She also struck his younger sister in the same areas during the same period. The fatal blow to Kristian occurred on September 13, which led to his death.

Following the sentencing, Kristian’s mother expressed relief that justice had been served, though the pain of losing her son will never subside. On Facebook, she posted: “It won’t bring you back, but she’ll never be able to hurt anyone ever again. You are finally getting the justice you deserve baby although I’m human I’ll be honest, nothing will ever be enough for your life! But I did right by you son, I let God take control.” She added, “Your story, our story is and will always change lives forever baby boy. I love you always.”

Circuit Judge Michael P. Mills sentenced Durham to life in prison without the possibility of parole. The attorney’s office confirmed that she will serve her sentence at the Mississippi Department of Corrections after being transferred from Alcorn County Jail.

This case has shocked the community, highlighting the devastating consequences of child abuse. While Kristian’s mother finds some solace in the conviction, the loss of her young son is a pain that will never go away.