The courtroom drama intensifies as the murder trial of Trinity Poague, a woman from Georgia, unfolds. She stands accused of the tragic killing of her boyfriend’s young son, a case that has gripped the local community.
Poague faces several serious charges, including malice murder, two counts of felony murder, aggravated battery, and cruelty to children, in connection with the death of Romeo “Jaxton Dru” Angeles. This high-profile case has been closely followed by CrimeOnline.
During the proceedings, the child’s father, Julian Williams, offered emotional testimony. He recounted the events of January 14, 2025, when his son Jaxton became violently ill. According to Williams, the toddler vomited twice that day, first in Poague’s dorm room at Southwestern State University in Americus.
Williams further testified that he had stepped out to pick up some pizza when Poague called him in distress, claiming that Jaxton had stopped breathing. Despite efforts to seek medical help, the toddler vomited once more en route to the hospital.
The prosecution then introduced medical expert Michael Busman, a family physician from Phoebe Sumter, to provide his insights. As reported by WALB News, Busman, who has dedicated over three decades to emergency room care, confirmed that Jaxton was unresponsive and without a pulse upon arrival at the hospital, painting a grim picture of the child’s final moments.
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.
[Feature Photos via Find a Grave/Facebook]
