DETROIT – Police have released more information regarding the 3-year-old girl who a trusted friend of the family reportedly killed.
Background: Southfield babysitter charged with murder in death of 3-year-old girl
Iesha Marie Harris faces charges of felony murder and first-degree child abuse in connection with the death of Harmoni Henderson.
Capt. Laurie Carter leads the Detroit Police Special Victims Unit, which investigates domestic violence, sexual assaults and child abuse. She saw the result of unimaginable child abuse first-hand when she responded to the hospital on Sunday, March 17.
“I was very disturbed,” Carter said. “Nothing like this should ever happen to a child.”
Harris is accused of leaving Harmoni and her own baby in a bedroom for three hours as she smoked marijuana. She reportedly became enraged when she found the toddler had thrown up on herself.
“Ms. Harris allegedly admitted to police she poured scalding water on top of the 3-year-old and slammed her head against the side of the bathtub,” said Assistant Prosecutor Jennifer Douglas.
Harmoni’s mother, Paris England, said she trusted Harris “wholeheartedly” before the incident.
“She was having a hard time. My baby is autistic, nonverbal,” England said. “I think she got frustrated with her and her own daughter and she slammed my baby’s head against the tub.”
If Harris was overwhelmed, she did not call England. Detroit police said if anyone is frustrated or overwhelmed, contact them.
“We would rather get a call than have something like this happen,” Carter said.
A GoFundMe has been set up to help the family pay for Harmoni’s funeral costs. You can donate here.
