District Attorney Paul Howard Announces Indictment in Death of Asante Burgess

Toddler's Mother Charged with Involuntary Manslaughter,
Reckless Conduct, More

Atlanta-Fulton County District Attorney Paul L. Howard, Jr. (Atlanta Judicial Circuit) announces that Nakia Burgess (29) has been indicted on numerous counts in the death of her three-and-a-half-year-old daughter, Asante Burgess. The charges against Burgess include involuntary manslaughter, misdemeanor reckless conduct, and contributing to the deprivation of a minor. On 2 October 2002, the toddler was left by her mother in a locked car in an exposed, remote section of the Tower Walk parking deck at 3340 Peachtree Road in Buckhead while Burgess was at work. It is estimated that the temperature inside the vehicle may have risen to as high as 127 degrees that day, and, an hour after the child was taken to the hospital, her body temperature remained at 108 degrees.

"Our sincere hope is that, out of this terrible tragedy, a valuable lesson might still be learned," says Mr. Howard. "It is imperative that parents understand they must never-under any circumstances-leave a child unattended in a vehicle; regardless of the conditions, location, or length of time involved."

These charges are merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

CONTACT: Erik Friedly, 404-224-0560 (office); 404-533-1381 (pager)