DOUGLAS COUNTY, Ga. — Disturbing new details about a child cruelty case where a 1-year-old child died. A detective testified their mother was away for 12 hours that day, even though the six kids had no nutritious food and were in a home that was unsanitary.
During a bond hearing for 37-year-old Sherry Magby in a Douglas County courtroom, a judge not only denied her bond in this case but revoked her bond in another case where she’s accused of attacking her teenaged son in 2023.
A detective testified Magby’s children lived in horrible conditions. Douglasville Detective Andre Futch says he was called to Magby’s home just after midnight back in March.
“In reference to a deceased child. Unresponsive child,” he testified.
Futch testified he arrived at the home in response to a 911 caller who said one year old Jacob Slaton was unresponsive back.
He says his Jacob’s 10-year-old brother said he had been sick.
“He did administer Jacob some Nyquil in his milk bottle,” Futch said.
Jacob’s 6-year-old brother said in a forensic interview Jacob didn’t have adequate food.
“He stated that he observed Jacob eating roaches and ants,” the detective said.
He says he learned the children’s mother, 37-year-old Sherry Magby, had left home around 11 that morning.
Futch says Magby told him she had to work and returned home several times to check on the children.
But Futch says he checked with her boss and learned she left work around 6 that evening.
“It was found out she never returned back to the residence,” he said.
Futch testified Magby was at a hotel with her boyfriend. Meanwhile, Jacob died.
Neighbors said the children were routinely left home alone.
“We’re here because my client is poor,” said Magby’s attorney, Mac Pilgrim.
He asked for bond, saying Magby is a single mother of six who had to work.
“She has significant ties. She’s lived here a long time. We’ve heard that she’s employed,” the attorney said.
The judge decided not to grant her bond.
“The court does find that there is a likelihood, a serious likelihood that you will re-offend if you were granted bond in this case,” Douglas County Superior Court Judge Cynthia C. Adams said from the bench.
Magby is slated for trial later this year for the assault case where she’s accused of hitting her teen son in the back with a pocketknife as he ran away from her.
We also learned a grand jury has indicted Magby in connection with the latest case. She faces five counts of second-degree child cruelty.
Magby was ordered not to have any direct or indirect contact with any of her children.
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