A Georgia couple is facing second-degree murder charges after investigators determined that the death of their 2-year-old daughter was a homicide following a months-long investigation.
Rafael Pedron Wynn, 30, and Kerri Dysart, 28, were arrested on Sept. 24 in connection with the death of their daughter, Nevaeh Wynn. Both remain in the Rockdale County Jail without bond, according to authorities.
The case began May 3, when Conyers police responded to an apartment complex on McDonough Road after receiving a report of an unresponsive child. Nevaeh was taken to Piedmont Rockdale Hospital, where she was pronounced dead.
What initially appeared to be the sudden death of a young child led investigators to conduct a deeper examination of what happened inside the family’s apartment.
During the investigation, detectives obtained a search warrant and searched the residence. Police said they found used nitrous oxide canisters and an empty container that had held kratom capsules.
Investigators then worked with the DeKalb County Medical Examiner’s Office while awaiting toxicology results. Testing later found traces of both kratom and nitrous oxide in Nevaeh’s system, and the medical examiner classified the manner of death as homicide.
The toxicology findings became a key development in the investigation and eventually led authorities to charge both parents with second-degree murder.
Police have not publicly detailed exactly how the substances entered the toddler’s system or provided a complete account of what happened before she became unresponsive. Authorities have also said the investigation is still ongoing.
The case has been particularly difficult for investigators because of the age of the child. Conyers Police Lt. Kayla Hinds said the investigation has been emotional for members of the department, many of whom are parents themselves.
The arrests came nearly four months after Nevaeh’s death, reflecting the time investigators spent gathering evidence and waiting for toxicology testing to be completed.
Both Wynn and Dysart are now awaiting their first court appearance. Their initial appearance is scheduled for Oct. 7, according to the latest reports.
The investigation remains active as authorities continue working to establish the circumstances surrounding Nevaeh Wynn’s death.
