Bond denied for mother accused in Alabama shaken baby murder

LANETT, Ala. (WRBL) – A Chambers County judge has denied bond for Jamesia Brichae Pruitt, a 26-year-old woman accused of killing her 4-month-old son, Nehemiah Pruitt.

The ruling came after a pre-trial detention hearing on Friday under Aniah’s Law, which allows for the denial of bond in certain allegations involving violent felony cases. Prosecutors allege the infant suffered from shaken baby syndrome and extreme malnourishment.

Pruitt was arrested following an investigation that started Jan. 31, when emergency responders were called to the Old Jackson Heights community at 617 N 14th Court and transported the unresponsive infant to the hospital. The child later succumbed to his injuries.

The state of Alabama, represented by assistant district attorney Taylor Stokes, argued Pruitt posed a danger to her other children and was a flight risk. According to Lanett investigators, the baby was born premature, and after a six-week hospital stay, the baby was in the 50th weight percentile of similar-aged babies when released.

After Jan. 31 and subsequent readmission to UAB Hospital, however, he had dropped below the first percentile and exhibited signs of severe malnourishment. Medical examinations allege Nehemiah also suffered from significant head trauma consistent with shaken baby syndrome.

Prosecutors contend Pruitt was the sole caretaker responsible for the child’s injuries and malnutrition. Additionally, investigators noted Pruitt’s home was sparsely furnished, lacked food and clothing, and had no electricity at the time of the baby’s death.

Pruitt’s court-appointed attorney, Mary Katherine White, argued her client was not a danger to the community and had family support. White also stated medical records were incomplete and emphasized there were no signs of abuse involving Pruitt’s other children. WRBL reached out to Pruitt’s defense attorney for additional comment Tuesday.

Following the Aniah’ Law hearing, the judge found the state’s evidence compelling, ruling the severity of the charges, the potential for a life sentence and the circumstances of the case justified denying bond.

Lanett police are urging anyone with additional information on the case to come forward. The case remains under investigation.