Kamille 'Cupcake' McKinney murder: Couple accused of kidnapping and killing the 3-year-old charged with capital murder, could face death penalty
BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA: The suspects in the Kamille "Cupcake" McKinney kidnap and murder case could be looking at the death penalty, according to prosecutors.
Jefferson County District Attorney Danny Carr announced on Thursday, October 24, that 39-year-old Patrick Devone Stallworth and his 29-year-old girlfriend Derick Irisha Brown had been charged with the capital murder of a child less than 14 years of age.
In the state of Alabama, this could mean a death sentence. They are currently being held by the police without a bond at Jefferson County Jail.
The couple was arrested in an unrelated charge, with Stallworth being arrested and charged with possession of child pornography and intention to distribute. The images of child porn found in his possession did not have photos of the dead child.
The woman was arrested on a parole violation from a previous kidnapping case involving her children from DHR custody. The police have not yet found a connection between the couple and Kamille, whose remains were found in a dumpster near the couple's apartment home.
The child was abducted from a birthday party on Saturday, October 12 and had been missing for 10 days. According to the police, the last image of Kamille was seen outside in a parking lot of the Tom Brown Village public housing.
She was reportedly taken by a black male into an SUV which on further probe was revealed to be a Toyota Sequoia. An Amber Alert for the child was issued hours later on Sunday.
The motive for the murder and kidnapping have not been revealed yet. However, the police believe that it was premeditated. "If appropriate, we will seek additional charges on both individuals involved," Birmingham Police chief Patrick Smith said.
"We refuse to stop until the prosecution is completely upheld and the light of day is limited to one hour for both," he added. The couple has maintained their innocence.
In the first statement the Stallworth family has made so far, they said, "We are deeply saddened by the death of little Kamille McKinney. We offer our heartfelt prayers and sympathy to her family, but we know this is not enough."
"This precious child should have had a chance to enjoy life and pursue her dreams," they said. Expressing their grief, they said they were "distraught" that a Stallworth family member was charged with "this heinous act".
Adding that Stallworth was raised in a family with strong values, they said, "The actions he is alleged to have done in no way reflect who we are as a family. We ask that our family not be judged by the actions of one individual."
"We abhor senseless violence, and even more so, we condemn acts of violence against defenseless children. We will continue to pray for the McKinney family. For us, this too is a tragedy."