‘Daddy smashed her on her head really hard’: Man killed 9-month-old baby in front of other kids and called them ‘roaches’

A Missouri man has been convicted in the death of a 9-month-old baby after prosecutors said he violently struck the infant in front of several young children, including siblings who later provided heartbreaking accounts of what they witnessed.

A jury found Jordan G. Willis, 26, guilty of multiple charges, including first-degree murder, in the death of 9-month-old Hazel Herring. The verdict followed a trial in which prosecutors presented evidence that the infant suffered catastrophic head injuries while in Willis’ care in May 2022. He now faces a possible life sentence without parole when he is sentenced later this year.

Emergency Call Leads to Tragic Discovery

The case began on May 3, 2022, when emergency responders were called to a residence in Kansas City after reports that an infant was unresponsive.

According to investigators, paramedics arrived and found Hazel suffering from severe injuries. The baby was rushed to a local hospital, where doctors discovered extensive trauma to her head and brain. Despite emergency treatment efforts, she later died from her injuries.

Medical experts testified that the injuries were inconsistent with an accident and instead indicated a violent assault. Prosecutors argued that the force used against the child was extreme and intentional.

Children Witnessed the Attack

One of the most emotional parts of the trial involved testimony regarding statements made by children who were present in the home during the incident.

According to court records, a young child told investigators, “Daddy smashed her on her head really hard.” Another child reportedly described seeing Willis strike the infant and referred to the children in the home being called “roaches” by the defendant.

Prosecutors argued that the children’s statements helped establish what occurred inside the residence before Hazel became unresponsive. Investigators said the accounts were consistent with medical findings presented during the trial.

Because of their ages, some of the children did not testify directly in court, but their statements were introduced through investigators and other witnesses.

Medical Evidence Played Key Role

Doctors who treated Hazel testified that she suffered devastating brain injuries, including skull fractures and severe internal bleeding.

Experts told jurors that the injuries could not have resulted from normal childhood falls or routine accidents. Instead, they said the trauma was consistent with a violent impact delivered with significant force.

The prosecution argued that the medical evidence overwhelmingly demonstrated that Hazel was intentionally harmed.

Defense attorneys challenged aspects of the investigation and attempted to raise questions about the exact circumstances leading to the injuries. However, jurors ultimately sided with prosecutors after reviewing the evidence.

Jury Delivers Guilty Verdict

After hearing testimony from medical professionals, investigators, family members, and other witnesses, the jury returned guilty verdicts on multiple charges.

Willis was convicted of first-degree murder and additional child abuse-related offenses connected to Hazel’s death. Under Missouri law, a first-degree murder conviction carries one of the state’s most severe penalties.

Prosecutors described the case as one of the most disturbing child homicide investigations they had handled, citing both the victim’s age and the allegations that other children witnessed the attack.

Family Seeks Justice for Hazel

Throughout the trial, family members remembered Hazel as a happy and loved infant whose life was cut tragically short.

Relatives attended court proceedings and expressed gratitude to investigators, prosecutors, medical personnel, and jurors who helped bring the case to a conclusion. While the conviction cannot undo the loss, family members said they hoped it would provide some measure of justice for Hazel.

Community members also followed the case closely, with many expressing shock over the details revealed during testimony.

Sentencing Still Ahead

Willis remains in custody while awaiting sentencing. Prosecutors are expected to seek a lengthy prison term, potentially including life imprisonment without the possibility of parole.

The case serves as a tragic reminder of the vulnerability of young children and the importance of reporting suspected abuse. Authorities noted that child abuse investigations often rely on cooperation among medical professionals, law enforcement officers, social workers, and prosecutors working together to protect children and pursue accountability when harm occurs.

As the legal proceedings move toward sentencing, Hazel’s family continues to mourn the loss of a child whose life ended far too soon. Prosecutors say the guilty verdict ensures that the person responsible for her death will be held accountable under the law.