Donalsonville, GA (October 18, 2019) – On September 12, 2019, about 8:16 pm, the GBI was requested by the Donalsonville Police Department to help conduct an investigation into the death of a two year old male who was pronounced dead at a local hospital earlier that day. The child identified as Zayden Brown, date of birth September 2016, was later determined to have died from injuries he suffered. His death has been ruled a homicide after an autopsy was performed at the GBI Crime Lab.

GBI Agents and Donalsonville Police interviewed witnesses and obtained evidence related to the case and worked with a GBI Medical Examiner and Staff to conclude the death was not accidental. On October 17, 2019, about 3:00 pm, Paresij Handford, a female, born in July of 1991 (28 yoa), and current girlfriend of Zayden’s father, was charged with Zayden’s death. Handford was arrested on one count of felony murder and one count of cruelty to children in the 1st degree. Handford was booked into the Seminole County Jail after her arrest.

Agents and Police continue to conduct witness interviews and process evidence recovered from the scene and during the investigation. This case is active and ongoing. Anyone with information is urged to call Donalsonville Police or GBI Thomasville at 229-225-4090.

Contact Information:

Jamy Steinberg - Special Agent in Charge - 229-225-4090