FORT STEWART, GA — Brandon M. Kelley, 29, and Stacey D. Kelley, 26, have been indicted by a federal grand jury for felony murder and two counts of second-degree murder in connection with the tragic death of their child, Vyolet Kelley. The charges were revealed in an indictment unsealed on Friday.
Allegations of Deprivation and Abuse
The Kelleys are accused of causing the death of their daughter by denying her adequate nourishment and medical care, and inflicting cruel and excessive physical and mental pain, the indictment alleges.
The victim’s exact age was not provided, but it was stated that she was under 18 at the time of her death. Authorities believe the family was living at Fort Stewart Military Reservation during the period between October 26 and November 22, 2022, when the child died.
Federal Charges and Consequences
Since the incident occurred on a U.S. Army base, the charges were filed in federal court, and the Kelleys are facing serious consequences. If convicted, both parents could face life in prison, with no possibility of parole under the federal system.
Liberty County, Georgia, jail records show that the Kelleys were arrested by the Fort Stewart Criminal Investigative Division on Friday.
Official Statements and Investigation
The exact details surrounding the alleged abuse have not been disclosed, but Tara Lyons, acting U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia, called the allegations “heartbreaking on many levels”.
She assured the public that the U.S. Attorney’s Office would continue to work with law enforcement agencies to pursue justice for the young victim.
Ongoing Legal Proceedings
Brandon Kelley, through his attorney, has requested several leaves of absence for the fall and winter. The case is ongoing, and authorities continue to investigate the tragic circumstances surrounding the child’s death.
Fort Stewart is located about 40 miles from Savannah, in southeast Georgia, and is one of the largest military bases in the U.S.
