NORFOLK, Va. — The homicide of a baby girl in Norfolk is prompting local youth advocates to raise awareness about parent resources.
Police charged the infant's father and mother in connection with the killing.
The couple Hilary D. Johnson II, 23, and Zibreyea S. Parker, 21, are expected in court on May 14 for a bond hearing.
Meanwhile, the two sit behind bars in Norfolk. They declined an interview request from jail.
13News Now spoke with local child advocates who can't help but think of the resources and alternatives that could've potentially saved the child's life.
Licensed professional counselor Darla Timberlake works at The Center for Child and Family Services in Newport News.
"We will counsel the parents, we will counsel the children, we'll do reunification to get them to a healthier place," said Timberlake.
She learned of the baby girl's death reported in Norfolk through the news. "It's heartbreaking. You think of an innocent child," Timberlake added.
The infant was just nine days old on Saturday, police said.
"Police were called to the Children's Hospital of the King's Daughters for the report of a child protection call," according to a Norfolk Police Department news release.
The newborn was unresponsive and showed signs of abuse to the head and body, along with injuries like cuts, bruises and burns, according to court documents.
"[The] child was cold to the touch when taken to the hospital," court documents also stated.
Norfolk police charged the parents Johnson and Parker with child abuse and later second-degree murder when the medical examiner ruled the newborn's death a homicide.
Additionally, court documents stated both Johnson and Parker were homeless.
While many of the investigation's circumstances are under wraps, advocates want families to know there is help out there.
"If there is a parent out there and they feel like they're struggling, [...] reach out. Reach out to CPS. Reach out to Social Services. Reach out to us, Center for Child & Family Services," said Timberlake, who touted the availability of free services, as well.
Struggling parents can also opt to seek help from a trusted family member.
"See if they could take temporary custody," said John Murray, CEO of Virginia Beach-based Families First of Virginia, Inc.
Social Services could serve as another option.
"Pick up the phone and call Social Services and explain the circumstances. There's a wide variety of services that either come into the home or temporarily take custody of the child if there are no other resources available in that home," said Murray.
"The agency can review whether foster care is a viable next step," said Murray. His organization specifically focuses on the placement of children with therapeutic foster care services in mind.
"The city contracts with us as a private provider to find appropriate homes while the parents are working on their issues, so the children can return home," said Murray.
"Norfolk [Department of Human Services] offers a host of resources for parents/caregivers who may be struggling with mental health, substance use disorder, trauma, homelessness, or who just need more support," said a liaison with Norfolk DHS.
There is also assistance available through the Norfolk DHS Preventive Services team.
Callers can report suspected child abuse or neglect through the Norfolk Child Abuse Hotline at (757) 664-6022 or 1-800 552-7096.