A married couple from Georgia has been formally indicted by a federal grand jury in connection with the death of their child.
According to the U.S. Department of Justice, 26-year-old Stacey Kelley and 29-year-old Brandon Kelley face multiple charges related to the unlawful death of their daughter, Vyolet Kelley.
The grand jury charged them with Felony Murder and two counts of Second Degree Murder, citing neglect—specifically inadequate nutrition and medical care—while the child was living at Fort Stewart Military Reservation. The family resided there because Brandon Kelley was an active-duty soldier at the time.
“These allegations are deeply tragic on many levels. Our office will continue working with law enforcement to pursue justice,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Tara M. Lyons.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Army Criminal Investigative Division and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Timothy P. Dean and E. Greg Gilluly, Jr. If convicted, the Kelleys could face life imprisonment, as no parole exists in the federal system.
The indictment was publicly unsealed by a federal court on August 8.
