28-03-2025
Justice for Ivy Baker: Mother's boyfriend found guilty of toddler's murder
OPELIKA, Ala. (WRBL) – A jury has found Jamario Mitchell guilty of murdering two-year-old Ivy Baker, his girlfriend's daughter, bringing justice for the toddler who suffered a brutal and painful death.
Prosecutors argued Ivy, 2, endured hours of abuse, including severe injuries that left her brain deprived of oxygen. They alleged both Mitchell and Ivy's mother, Chasity Baker, refused to take her to the hospital despite warnings from a concerned neighbor. Baker will be tried separately at a later date.
Ivy's father tells WRBL he is grateful to the Lee County District Attorney's office and Ivy was a wonderful little girl who loved Fruot Loops and Cocomelon. He says he will never get over her death. He had no comment on the upcoming trial for Ivy's mother.
Mitchell's defense declined a comment. The Lee County District Attorney's office is expected to release a statement.
Investigators say the evidence showed Mitchell was alone with Ivy in the hours leading up to her death in the home along Cherry Circle in 2021. A forensic examiner testified her injuries were consistent with prolonged abuse, describing multiple contusions to her scalp, broken collarbones, and a fatal acute subdural hematoma. He testified the force of the injuries were akin to a violent car crash.
The prosecution also revealed a neighbor had urged Barker and Mitchell to seek medical help the night before when Ivy appeared to be struggling to breathe. Instead, Mitchell allegedly dismissed the idea, saying, 'No hospital, they're gonna ask questions. Can't do that.' Instead, he advised getting a nasal aspirator and Vicks VapoRub.
Following the verdict, Mitchell's bond was revoked, and he has been taken into custody. WRBL will continue to provide updates on this case.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
