The murder trial continues against Trinity Poague, a Georgia woman accused of killing her boyfriend’s toddler son.
Poague is charged with malice murder, two counts of felony murder, two counts of aggravated battery, and cruelty to children in the death of Romeo “Jaxton Dru” Angeles, as CrimeOnline reported.
On Tuesday, Jaxton’s father, Julian Williams, took the stand and testified that Jaxton had thrown up twice on January 14, 2025. The first time happened inside Poague’s Southwestern State University dorm room in Americus.
Williams said that he left to get pizza when the defendant called him and said the boy stopped breathing.
Jaxton threw up again on the way to the hospital, according to Williams’ testimony.
The prosecution then called Phoebe Sumter Family Physician Michael Busman to the stand, according to WALB News. Busman, who said he has over 30 years of experience working in an emergency room, stated Jaxton was unresponsive with no pulse when he arrived at the hospital.
Once they detected a heartbeat, medical staff saw head swelling that came from a “from a direct blow.” Medical staff also found liquid coming out of his nose and facial swelling.
Poague reportedly said the toddler fell from a bed. However, Busman testified that the injuries were not consistent with someone falling from a bed. Poague later admitted that she had shaken the toddler for misbehaving.
According to medical records, Poague claimed Jaxton arrived at the hospital around five minutes after Jaxton fell from the bed. Busman said the injuries likely happened around 30 to 40 minutes before he arrived at the hospital.
During testimony on Tuesday, prosecutor Lewis R. “Bud” Lamb said that Poague wanted a child of her own with Williams, and resented Jaxton.
Lamb then showed the court several text messages that Poague sent friends, claiming that she wanted to “punch the child and that they hated each other,” Court TV reports.
The defense contended that evidence did not indicate that Poague caused the injuries and that Williams had provided contradictory stories.
Poague was Miss Donalsonville at the time of the boy’s death, but officials stripped her of the title after her arrest, WALB reported.
She previously pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The trial continues. Check back for updates.
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[Feature Photos via Find a Grave/Facebook]
