A Virginia mother accused in the brutal death of her nine-day-old daughter was denied bond on Tuesday, while the child’s father remains in custody facing the same charges. Z’ibreyea Parker, 21, appeared before a judge who refused to release her on bond. Her co-defendant, 21-year-old Hilary Johnson II, had his bond request withdrawn by his attorney.
Both are charged with second-degree murder in connection with the death of their newborn, I’ijayah. Authorities said police were called to the Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters (CHKD) on May 4 after reports of an unresponsive infant showing clear signs of abuse. In court, prosecutors presented photos documenting the baby’s injuries, which the judge reviewed privately due to their graphic nature.
According to the court, the images revealed severe burns on the infant’s feet, splash burns on other parts of her body, and a large handprint across her back. An autopsy later confirmed symptoms consistent with shaken baby syndrome, as well as multiple bruises on her head and broken ribs.
The child’s grandfather, Hilary Johnson Sr., spoke to News 3 following the hearing, saying he is heartbroken and struggling to make sense of the tragedy. “I know I’m not going to ever get no closure. My mind is boggled right now,” he said. “I wanted to do right by her, but she was taken away. Grabbing on my leg, all of that, all that stuff was taken away from me, it’s not fair.”
Johnson Sr. shared photos of I’ijayah, describing her as a “beautiful little girl” who deserved a chance at life. “I wanted to give her a shot, a chance at something beautiful. A beautiful life that a little girl deserves,” he said. Court documents also revealed that Johnson Sr. had previously expressed concerns about his son and daughter-in-law’s ability to care for the baby.
He said he warned staff at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital that the couple was struggling and feared for the child’s safety. “I said I feared for the girl’s life. What in the world else am I supposed to do? Now, I have to bury my granddaughter because nobody listened,” he said.
Police later determined the couple had been living in a tent near I-264 and Campostella. Both were reportedly homeless and struggling with mental health issues at the time of the baby’s death. Sentara Health issued a statement saying, “Sentara has policies and procedures to ensure that suspicions of child abuse or neglect and other reportable concerns are investigated in accordance with the law.”
Parker is scheduled to return to court on July 18. A date for Johnson’s next appearance has not yet been set. Meanwhile, Johnson Sr. has launched a fundraiser to help cover funeral expenses for his granddaughter, as he told WTKR.