This week, the legal proceedings have commenced for a former beauty queen from Georgia, who stands accused of a harrowing crime. Trinity Poague is facing trial over the alleged murder of her boyfriend’s 18-month-old son, an incident that occurred nearly two years ago within her dormitory room at Georgia Southwestern State University.
Charged with malice murder, two counts of felony murder, two counts of aggravated battery, and cruelty to children, Poague faces severe accusations in connection with the tragic death of J.D. Williams, also known as Romeo Angeles. CrimeOnline has provided coverage on these developments.
At the time of the incident, Poague was crowned Miss Donalsonville. However, following her arrest, she was stripped of her title. Despite the charges, she has maintained her innocence, previously entering a plea of not guilty, as reported by WALB.
According to Law&Crime, the child’s father, Julian Williams, recounted that his son was in good health when he left to buy a pizza at Walmart on January 14, 2024. However, as he was returning, he received a distressing message from Poague, informing him that the child had stopped breathing.
In a desperate attempt to save his son, Williams rushed back and took the boy to the hospital. Tragically, despite plans to transfer the child to Atlanta for further treatment, he succumbed to his injuries before the transport could occur.
During the trial, Prosecutor Lewis Lamb presented evidence of the toddler’s severe injuries, which included bruises, a fractured skull, and a lacerated liver. The prosecution argues that Poague harbored resentment toward the child, seeing him as a source of tension in her relationship with his father.
She alleged texted her roommate that day that she “can’t stand being around J.D. anymore. He hates me and I hate him.”
Poague’s attorney, W.T. Gamble, however, argued that police and prosecutors jumped to conclusions about her guilt. The boy’s injuries were likely caused, he said, shen he fell off a bed the night — when the father was allegedly passed out drunk.
Poague’s trial is expected to last two days.
