Last week an Alabama woman named Yolanda Denise Coale was arrested by the Mobile Police Department after her nine-year-old niece allegedly beat her four-year-old nephew to death with a broomstick. According to reports, the incident concluded a suspected cycle of abuse against the preschooler.
Although it is not believed that Coale actually engaged in any physical abuse that led to the death of her nephew, the 53-year-old was the legal guardian for both children at the time of the murder, which occurred inside her home.
"She was the legal guardian of the child...During the course of the investigation, Mobile police found evidence of abuse for this child, and then he was found deceased," said Mobile County Assistant District Attorney Louis Walker.
Coale, who was arrested in 2005 for furnishing alcohol to a minor, was defended by a family friend who described her as rarely losing her temper. Court documents claim she woke up to the sound of screams as the nine-year-old was allegedly beating her brother. The documents also claimed there was evidence of "long-term abuse."
The nine-year-old avoided a murder charge but has been charged with first-degree assault. Coale is currently facing an aggravated assault charge, but there may be for charges to come. Her bail has been set at $150,000.
