Washington D.C. resident Faneisha Scott, 39, has been convicted of first-degree murder and cruelty to children in connection with the death of her 16-month-old daughter, Rhythm Fields. The verdict was delivered by a Superior Court jury, as reported by the U.S. Attorney's Office. Scott now faces sentencing on August 29, with the case presided over by The Honorable Jason Park.
On March 21, 2017, an afternoon visit from Scott's friend, the child's godmother, became a shocking scene when her eight-year-old child sought to play with Rhythm and subsequently discovered the toddler unresponsive. Scott, after noticing the grim state of her daughter, frantically sought help from a mail carrier, who promptly dialed 911. Responders, including a former firefighter, attempted CPR, but to no avail; Rhythm was pronounced dead. According to the testimony, it was unexpected for the defendant to claim not having contacted the child since early morning.
The autopsy conducted by the D.C. Medical Examiner’s Office concluded on February 5, 2018, that Rhythm's death was a homicide resulting from multiple blunt force injuries. These injuries, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office, included contusions, abrasions, rib fractures, hemorrhages, and cerebral edema among other traumatic injuries. The combination of evidence and expert testimony painted a grim portrait of Rhythm's final moments and ultimately led to Scott's conviction.
The investigation, led by the Metropolitan Police Department, culminated in the successful prosecution by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Emma McArthur and Andrea Antonelli. The tragic narrative surrounding Rhythm's death has now reached a conclusion in the courts, with her mother found guilty on all charges. As the case wraps up, the community closely follows to see what sentence will be handed down to Faneisha Scott later this year.
