LEXINGTON, Ky. (LEX 18) — A Lexington mom says her 9-month-old has died in the hospital. According to police, the baby was assaulted by her father on Tuesday.
Saturday evening, the child's family released balloons in her honor.
"There are a lot of words that I can't get out. She deserves to be here; she doesn't deserve to be gone," said Markettia Hampton, the 9-month-old's mom. "She's in a better place out of this wicked world. She doesn't have to suffer, she doesn't have to hurt, she's in a better place, she's up with God, and that's all that matters."
On Tuesday, police said they were dispatched to the child's home on Whitney Avenue for a welfare check.
According to police, they went to the house after the 9-month-old child arrived at a local hospital with reported life-threatening injuries.
During the investigation, police said they learned the child was assaulted by her father.
Sunday morning, the Fayette County Coroner confirmed the child's identity as Sy'kia Epps and her death is being investigated as a homicide.
28-year-old Syied Malik-Kawon Epps was arrested Wednesday and charged with assault and murder-domestic violence.
Epps is being held at the Fayette County Detention Center.
