NORFOLK, Va. — Editor's note: Some readers may find the details in this report disturbing.
A Norfolk judge on Tuesday denied bond for a mother accused of abusing and killing her newborn child. The baby's father faces the same charges.
Hilary Johnson II and Z'ibreyea Parker both had bond hearings scheduled for Tuesday morning. However, only Parker made it in front of the judge after Johnson's attorney withdrew his request for the hearing Tuesday.
Parker, 21, is accused of child abuse and second-degree murder in connection with the death of her 9-day-old daughter.
Her attorney, Trevor Robinson, asked Judge Robert Smith for bond. Robinson stated Parker does not have a prior criminal record.
If granted bond, Robinson said Parker's mother, who lives in Maryland, would take her in and stay in contact and provide transportation while the case is pending.
Parker and Johnson, 23, most recently lived in a tent outside, court documents show.
Robinson did not address the allegations dealing with the charges, but Norfolk Senior Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney Michelle Newkirk did. She brought pictures of the injured newborn to court.
Norfolk police said officers responded to Children's Hospital of The King's Daughters on May 4 to find the baby unresponsive. Newkirk said the child had severe injuries to the head, broken ribs, bruises, and splash burns.
Newkirk also said in court that medical staff at CHKD reported the couple "did not appear worried or upset."
According to a checklist for bail determinations, Parker allegedly "did not think the injuries were all the serious." The same document continued to say Parker treated the child's injuries with home remedies, such as witch hazel.
Newkirk also said Parker experienced homelessness for some time in Maryland prior to her move to Hampton Roads.
Ultimately, Judge Smith sided with the Commonwealth, denying bond for Parker.
The judge said he made the decision because of the infant's "severe" and "numerous" injuries, Parker's lack of ties to Virginia, as well the newborn's apparent "lack of appropriate treatment."
Robinson told 13News Now he believes the evidence he's seen so far does not suggest his client committed injuries. Instead, he said he plans to argue the issue of whether Parker failed to act when it comes to medical attention for the child.
Parker is due back in court for a preliminary hearing on July 18.
Johnson also faces child abuse and second-degree murder charges. Court documents said he appeared "cavalier" about the offense. It's not clear when his next court date is, after his attorney withdrew the bond hearing Tuesday.
The couple remains at Norfolk City Jail, where they declined to interview with 13News Now.