A court has heard that a former beauty queen allegedly caused the death of her boyfriend’s toddler son, whom she reportedly resented because she desired her own family with the man. Trinity Poague, aged 20 at the time, is accused of fatally beating 18-month-old Romeo Angeles in her dorm at Georgia Southwestern State University on January 14, 2024. The child’s father, Julian Williams, had left Romeo with Poague briefly, only to return to find the toddler unresponsive after receiving a distressing message from Poague.
Romeo, also known as Jaxton Dru Williams or JD, was at the center of tension in the couple’s relationship, which was deteriorating. Prosecutor Lewis Lamb highlighted Poague’s alleged animosity towards JD, supported by a text message she sent to her roommate on the day of the incident expressing her frustration with the child.
It was argued in court that Poague harbored jealousy towards her 23-year-old boyfriend’s attention to his son, feeling resentment towards the child. Prosecutors claimed that Poague desired to have her own children with Williams but did not want to fulfill a stepmother role to his son.
Following the tragic incident, JD suffered severe injuries, including significant damage to his liver and brain trauma, as documented in court records. Poague’s defense attorney, WT Gable, argued that the injuries were not caused by a beating but rather by a fall from a bed in the dormitory. The defense also highlighted allegations of a child crying in the dorm that night and accused the father of being intoxicated.
Poague faces charges of murder, aggravated battery, and child cruelty, which she denies. Her lawyer emphasized that justice should not be served at the expense of an innocent person and maintained Poague’s innocence in the case. The trial is ongoing.