A homicide added to the total for 2006

I wasn't blogging back then and looks like Rambix, who was, did not note it, since it probably didn't make a lot of news. This child death was ruled a homicide and it looks like witnesses eventually came forward which put pressure on the suspect (the child's father) to admit his guilt.

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Charges filed in 2006 homicide



July 13, 2009 (MINNEAPOLIS) Criminal charges have been filed in the August 2006 death of 27 month old Malaya Rae Douglas. Her father, Pierre Lavontae Gray (DOB 4/4/91), has been charged with:



· MURDER IN THE FIRST DEGREE (felony) (while committing child abuse)

· MURDER IN The FIRST DEGREE (felony) (While committing domestic abuse)

· MURDER IN THE SECOND DEGREE (felony)



According to the complaint, in the months leading up to Douglas’s death, Gray had been trying to potty train Douglas and would get very angry whenever she would have an accident. These accidents would lead to Gray disciplining Douglas by “whooping” her with a belt or whatever he could get his hands on. On the evening of august 27, 2006, Gray become angry at Douglas because she had urinated on herself. Gray started to beat Douglas with a belt and then with a broom. Gray was observed swinging the broom like a baseball bat, striking Douglas while she cried “stop daddy” numerous times. When Gray finished, Douglas fell to the floor looking weak and pale. Shortly thereafter Douglas started to vomit clear liquid and her skin color started to change. Paramedics were called to the scene and Douglas was transported to Hennepin County Medical Center were she died a few days later.



In a statement, Gray admitted to investigators he hit Douglas repeatedly over several hours before police were called.



Homicide Detectives Scott Larson and Chris Thomsen reviewed this case and uncovered additional information leading to new witness statements that ultimately led to Gray’s admission. This additional information was essential in bringing these charges forward.



Patterson is currently in custody outstate. A current booking photo is not yet available.



PIO contact for this incident is Sgt Jesse Garcia III