A former beauty pageant queen has been given a life sentence for causing the death of her boyfriend’s 18-month-old son. Trinity Poague, aged 19, was convicted of two counts of felony murder in Georgia after assaulting the child in 2024, resulting in his demise. Poague, who held the title of Miss Donalsonville in 2024, was dethroned following her involvement in the toddler’s death.
Following the incident, the unconscious toddler was rushed to Phoebe Sumter Hospital in Americus, Georgia, where medical staff’s efforts to save him were in vain, and he passed away in the emergency room. Authorities disclosed that Poague inflicted severe injuries on the child’s head and body before his tragic death in the hospital. Witnesses from Poague’s college dorm reported hearing the child crying for an extended period before abruptly falling silent.
Lilly Waterman, a dorm resident, recounted hearing the baby’s cries cease suddenly, leaving everyone puzzled about what had occurred. Prior to the heinous act, Poague messaged her roommate expressing her discontent with being around the child. After deliberation, the jury found Poague guilty of two counts of felony murder, aggravated battery, and cruelty to a child of the first degree.
Handing down the sentence, Judge W. James Sizemore Jr declared that Poague would serve life in prison for her actions. Although she appeared composed during sentencing, Poague broke down in tears upon hearing the jury’s verdict. In addition to the life term for the murder of JD Willams, she was also sentenced to 20 years in the state penitentiary, with both sentences to be served concurrently.