Aunt and boyfriend allegedly beat 1-year-old to death while babysitting

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC/Gray News) – A Tennessee couple is behind bars accused of beating a 1-year-old girl to death.

Kiya Moore, 21, and her boyfriend, 34-year-old Dejon Smith, are charged in connection with the death of Moore's 1-year-old niece Kali Moore. The charges include first-degree murder, aggravated child abuse and aggravated child neglect, WMC reports.

Kali's great-grandparents are overwhelmed with grief over their loss, but they are even more stunned by who the Memphis Police Department has named as a suspect.

“We have never dealt with a situation like this before, so we really don’t know how,” said Margaret Calicott, Kali’s great-grandmother.

Kiya Moore and Smith appeared in Shelby County District Court on Monday. According to court documents, the two spent two days babysitting Kali at a Midtown home on University Street.

The one-year-old suffered numerous injuries and was admitted unconscious to Le Bonheur Children's Hospital at around 3 a.m. on Saturday morning. She was pronounced dead about an hour later.

According to a doctor at Le Bonheur, Kali had numerous skull and neck fractures, a kidney contusion indicating abdominal trauma, and blood in her lungs.

Kiya Moore and Smith gave conflicting statements to police about how the 1-year-old was injured. Each said the injuries occurred while the other was alone with her.

“[Kali’s] “My mother was the one who suffered the most. She couldn't stand it, so her mother took her home,” Margaret Calicott said.

Police also found that there was no baby formula in the couple's home and it is unclear whether the baby had a suitable or safe place to sleep.

After the trial, Kali's great-grandparents talked about how incredibly painful the last three days had been.

“We witnessed the death of our great-grandchild and we know how much our granddaughter is suffering,” said Deacon James Calicott, Kali’s great-grandfather.

Despite the heartbreaking allegations against Kiya Moore, her family says one thing will not change:

“All I can say is what I said: We will always love Kali, and we will always love Kiya because we are a loving family,” said Deacon Calicott, beginning to cry.

WMC found that Kiya Moore was released on bail after being charged with other aggravated child abuse counts in February 2022. Her court date for those charges is scheduled for August 29.

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