Shortly after 7 p.m. on April 14, 2023, Patrol Officers with the 12th Street Division responded to Arkansas Children’s Hospital in reference to a 2-month old, later identified as Kaia Pennington, who arrived with severe injuries. At the hospital, officers made contact with 22-year-old Tamar Pennington, the infant’s father, and the victim’s mother, 21-year-old Keiaura Smith. Hospital staff advised that the child was in critical condition suffering from severe internal and external injuries. The parents were transported to the Major Crimes Division at the 12th Street Substation to be interviewed by detectives.  Following the interviews, Ms. Smith was released without charges; however, Mr. Pennington was subsequently charged with 1st Degree Battery. He was transported to PCRJ without incident.

Update: On April 18, 2023, Kaia Pennington succumbed to injuries. The Pulaski County Coroner responded and transported the body to the State Crime Lab for an autopsy. Mr. Pennington’s charges have been upgraded to Capital Murder.

To see the incident report, click here