Kianna Davis, a Georgia high school teacher, was arrested on Nov. 3, and charged with malice murder, felony murder, cruelty to children in the first degree, and aggravated assault in the death of two-year-old Karter Ambrose. Davis allegedly committed the crime alongside Kiyon Devoy Benton, who was also apprehended by authorities, Fox News reported.
Davis allegedly beat Ambrose with an object between Nov. 15 and 17 in 2020, which resulted in lacerations on the child’s liver. The pair, whose relationship to the child remains unidentified, are also accused of “failing to seek immediate medical attention” after Ambrose was injured, according to 11 Alive. Davis, who taught students at Seckinger High School in Georgia, had only been at her new job for two weeks before being arrested; however, she’d previously worked at Peachtree Ridge High School since 2021.
Seckinger Principal, Jimmy Fisher, sent a letter to parents on Nov. 6 assuring them that a separate investigation into Davis was being conducted by the school district, in an effort to combat concern for student safety.
“As is often the case in situations like this, news about this has spread among students and to social media, and I felt it important that you heard the facts from me first. Although this news may come as a surprise to you and spark questions, I want to reassure you your student is in good hands. A substitute will continue to cover the duties of the teacher in question for the time being,” Fisher said. “As your principal, I am committed to the work we are doing to foster a safe and positive school environment and encourage our school community to come to me when you have concerns.”
Davis was taken into custody by the Houston County District Attorney’s Office, U.S. Marshals Service Regional Fugitive Task Force, and the Warner Robins Police Department and will appear for a bond hearing on Nov. 9.