New Orleans police are searching for a 21-year-old man who fatally beat his girlfriend’s toddler daughter while in his care early this month.
On Tuesday, authorities filed an arrest warrant for Anfernee Devante Steele following the death of Jo’nyri Hawkins who lost her life on October 3 inside a Canal Street hotel room. He was still on the loose as of Saturday morning.
The suspect was watching on Hawkins after her mom went outside for a couple of hours.
Once she entered the room, she found her daughter unconscious and not breathing with beat marks on her young body. She was declared dead shortly after paramedics’ arrival.
An autopsy confirmed that Jo’nyri has passed away from blunt force injuries. Subsequently, the case has been investigated as a homicide.
Steele is facing second-degree murder and second-degree cruelty to juveniles. However, he could spend the rest of his life behind bars if he is found guilty.
Anyone who spotted him is asked to call (504) 822-111.
