A federal grand jury last week indicted a US soldier and his wife on multiple murder counts in the death of their child.
The indictment, unsealed on Friday, charges Brandon Kelley, 29, and Stacey Kelley, 26, with felony murder (child abuse) and two counts of second degree murder in the death of Vyolet Kelley.
The indictment does not provide the girl’s age, only that she was under the age of 18. The indictment says that between October 26, 2024, and “on or about” November 22, 2024, the defendants “aided and abetted” each other to cause the girl “cruel and excessive physical and mental pain by depriving her of adequate nourishment and medical care,” causing her death.
Brandon Kelley “was an enlisted soldier during the time outlined in the indictment,” according to the US Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Georgia. The couple were living at Fort Stewart in Liberty County at the time.
“The allegations in this case are heartbreaking on many levels. Our office will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to pursue justice,” said Acting United States Attorney Tara M. Lyons.
It’s not clear if Kelley is still a soldier. According to Law&Crime, he recently requested several leaves of absence for the coming months via an attorney, but the outlet did not say from whom he requested the leaves of absence.
The US Attorney’s Offices said the Kelleys face up to life in prison without parole if convicted.
According to WJXT, the Kelleys are being held at the Liberty County Jail. Stacey Kelley made an initial court appearance on Monday, and is expected to have a detention hearing next week. Brandon Kelley is expected in court on Wednesday.
