Toddler's Brutal Death: Ex-Beauty Queen on Trial

An 18-month-old boy, Romeo 'JD' Angeles, died from severe blunt-force trauma in a college dorm room, with prosecutors alleging a violent attack by Trinity Poague, then 18. Poague, a former beauty pageant winner studying nursing, claims the toddler fell, but medical evidence indicates otherwise. The boy's mother, Sheyla Angeles Garnica, expressed profound grief, stating she was unaware Poague was involved in her son's life.

Poague, now 20, faces murder charges for the January 2024 incident at Georgia Southwestern State. Prosecutors contend she inflicted fatal injuries, including brain bleeds and a fractured skull, during a short period while JD's father was away. Her defense attorney suggested other factors might be involved, but the district attorney accused Poague of not wanting to be a stepmother and hating the child.

Angeles Garnica, who is also raising two other children, is focused on seeking justice for her son. Despite the tragedy, she does not blame JD's father for the incident, believing he could not have anticipated such an outcome. Poague has pleaded not guilty, and the trial is ongoing, with potential life imprisonment if convicted.