A Georgia couple is facing federal felony murder charges after authorities say they starved their child to death while living on a U.S. Army base.
According to a federal grand jury indictment unsealed on Friday, Brandon M. Kelley, 29, and Stacey D. Kelley, 26, are accused of the death of their daughter, Vyolet Kelley, on Fort Stewart Military Reservation in southeast Georgia. Both face one count of felony murder and two counts of second-degree murder.
Prosecutors allege the parents caused their daughter’s death by “depriving her of adequate nourishment and medical care,” adding that they subjected her to “cruel and excessive physical and mental pain.” The indictment notes that the victim was under the age of 18, but her exact age has not been disclosed.
The charges stem from incidents between October 26 and November 22, the period in which Vyolet died. During that time, Brandon Kelley was enlisted as a soldier at Fort Stewart, a base located about 40 miles southwest of Savannah.
While the indictment does not detail the alleged abuse, acting U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia Tara Lyons described the case as “heartbreaking on many levels.” She added, “Our office will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to pursue justice.”
If convicted, both Brandon and Stacey Kelley face life imprisonment without the possibility of parole, as federal sentences do not allow for early release.
Records from the Liberty County Jail show the couple was taken into custody on Friday by the Fort Stewart Criminal Investigative Division. Because the incident occurred on a U.S. Army base, the case falls under federal jurisdiction and is being prosecuted in federal court.
Court filings also reveal that on Monday, Brandon Kelley, through his attorney, requested multiple leaves of absence for the fall and winter season.
This tragic case underscores the ongoing commitment of federal prosecutors and military law enforcement to protect vulnerable children and ensure justice in crimes occurring on U.S. military installations.
