A Georgia father, Rodney McWeay, has been found guilty of starving his 4-year-old daughter, Treasure McWeay, to death in December 2023. The Fulton County jury convicted him on 14 charges, including malice murder, felony murder, child cruelty, false imprisonment, kidnapping, and contributing to the delinquency of a minor.
McWeay’s actions led to the tragic death of his daughter, who was discovered severely malnourished with almost no food or water in her body.
What Happened to Treasure McWeay?
Treasure McWeay was found in December 2023 at a children’s hospital in Atlanta, where she was pronounced dead. The young girl weighed only 24 pounds, half of what a healthy child her age should weigh, and had less than an ounce of water in her system.
She had been subjected to severe abuse and neglect over a period of about two years, from May 2021 to December 2023. The father was accused of locking the children in a room, denying them food, and keeping a tight control over their lives.
The Discovery of Abuse
Authorities first responded to a call about an unresponsive 4-year-old girl at McWeay’s home in the 4000 block of Renfrew Court. When police arrived, McWeay was not at the house. However, they found his two sons severely malnourished and in need of medical care.
This prompted an investigation into the conditions inside the home. Prosecutors referred to McWeay’s home as a “house of horrors,” revealing the constant abuse and neglect of his children.
McWeay’s Control and Neglect
McWeay’s control over his children was extreme. He kept them locked in a single room, where they were not allowed to leave without his permission. There was no food or children’s clothing in the house when police searched the property, but they found several surveillance cameras monitoring the children’s every move.
Authorities also uncovered McWeay’s efforts to avoid law enforcement, as he had previously taken the children from their mother in Maryland and brought them back to Georgia, hiding them from social services.
The Trial and Verdict
Rodney McWeay’s trial began in early June 2025, and the jury took just over a week to reach a verdict. McWeay remained mostly stoic throughout the proceedings as the jury read the verdict, which found him guilty on all counts.
His defense attorney claimed McWeay never intended to hurt his children and simply made “some wrong decisions.” Despite this defense, the jury convicted him, and he is now expected to spend the rest of his life behind bars.
The conviction of Rodney McWeay is a heartbreaking reminder of the severe consequences of child abuse and neglect. Treasure McWeay’s tragic death highlights the importance of protecting vulnerable children from harm.
The case also brings attention to the lengths some parents go to control their children, putting their safety and well-being at risk. McWeay’s actions have caused immense pain for his children, and his conviction serves as justice for the suffering they endured.
