Detroit, Michigan – A 30-year-old woman has been arrested and charged with the murder of a three-year-old girl under her care. Iesha Harris is accused of brutally killing Harmoni Henderson after the toddler vomited on herself. Harris, a close friend of Harmoni’s mother, is facing charges of felony murder and first-degree child abuse.
The Detroit Police Department responded to a call on Southfield Freeway on March 17. Harmoni was rushed to the hospital but tragically succumbed to her injuries. The Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office determined her cause of death as blunt force trauma allegedly inflicted by Harris.
Harris was formally charged and taken into custody on March 20. She is scheduled to appear in court for a probable cause conference on March 27, followed by a preliminary examination hearing on April 1. Prosecutors plan to present additional evidence during these proceedings.
Captain Laurie Carter, head of the Detroit Police Special Victims Unit, expressed her concern over the tragic details of Harmoni’s death, emphasizing that no child should experience such trauma. Harmoni’s mother disclosed to local media that Harris had violently slammed her daughter’s head into a bathtub, causing her fatal injuries. Harmoni, described as nonverbal and autistic, may have frustrated Harris, leading to the violent act.
Reports indicate that Harris locked Harmoni in a room with her own one-year-old child for three hours while she smoked marijuana. Upon her return, Harris allegedly discovered that Harmoni had vomited on herself and reacted violently.
Assistant Prosecutor Jennifer Douglas revealed that Harris confessed to pouring boiling water on the toddler and slamming her head against the bathtub. The following morning, Harmoni’s mother found her unresponsive in bed.
Harris is currently detained without bond. A GoFundMe page has been established to assist Harmoni’s family with memorial expenses.