Mom, Boyfriend Indicted for Murder of Toddler Who Died From Horrific Injuries

A 24-year-old Ohio mother and her boyfriend have been charged with murder in the death of her 21-month-old son last July.

Hamilton County Prosecutor Melissa Powers said on Wednesday that Hydia Hamilton-Smith called 911 on July 31, 2022, to say her toddler son, Darnell Gamble, had a burn injury. But, Powers said, the toddler was taken to Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, where he died from head trauma, according to WCPO.

An autopsy revealed multiple injuries, including cigarette burns, bite marks, a liver laceration, rib fracture, optic nerve damage, and brain trauma.

A grand jury indicted Hamilton-Smith on two counts of murder, two counts of endangering children, and one count each of felonious assault and involuntary manslaughter. Her 31-year-old boyfriend, Rodney Williams, was indicted on two counts of murder, one count of felonious assault, and two counts of endangering children.

The couple faces life in prison if they’re convicted on all charges.

“Someone who is capable of something like this should never get out of prison,” Powers said.

According to the Cincinnati Enquirer, Hamilton-Smith has been behind bars since August 2022, when she was charged with child endangerment. Williams was arrested on Wednesday.

Powers said that Williams was previously indicted in a 2018 case, accused of abusing his then girlfriend’s 2-year-old boy, who survived  abdominal bruising, liver lacerations, lacerations on his adrenal gland, a black eye, fluid in his pelvis, bite marks, and swollen and blistered lips, WCPO reported.

For the latest true crime and justice news, subscribe to the ‘Crime Stories with Nancy Grace’ podcast.

[Featured image: Darnell Gamble/handout]