PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Two Philadelphia women have been charged with murder in the beating death of a 2-year-old girl in Tacony. One of the women is the girl's godmother.
Police arrived at a home on Marsden Street last Thursday afternoon for a call about an "unresponsive child." The girl, named Yatzirys, was pronounced dead at St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children less than an hour later.
"There were open wounds that seem to be pretty old on her head, on both on her forehead and the back of her scalp," said Chesley Lightsey, homicide supervisor for the District Attorney’s Office.
"There appear to be knuckle marks, punch marks, on the top of her head. bruising on her toes, all the way up her body including her face," said Lightsey. "Beyond what you could possibly imagine. So, I cannot imagine there will ever be a motive that would be satisfactory to any of us."
The girl's godmother, Yaritza Cirilo-Fuentes, was her primary caretaker. She and another woman who lived in the home as well, Helen Smith, have been charged with murder, conspiracy, endangering the welfare of children and corrupting the morals of minors.
Yatzirys' mother left the girl, who was to turn 3 in May, under the care of Cirilo-Fuentes.
"She left her child, for various reasons I will not get into, in the care of a good friend of hers, who had children of her own. She believed the child would be safe there," Lightsey said.
The toddler’s mother has been cooperating with authorities and will not be charged, but the investigation continues. Officials hope anyone who may have known any of the people involved will come forward.
To report any possible child abuse or neglect, call the city’s 24-hour hotline: (215) 683-6100.
Editor’s update, Aug. 20, 2024
Helen Smith pleaded guilty to conspiracy and endangering the welfare of children. She was sentenced to five to 12 years in prison, with eight years probation.