LAFAYETTE, INDIANA: Montrell Dionte Jolly, a man from Indiana, allegedly killed his four-year-old cousin, Ke’andre Shamar, reportedly over the way the child put on his shoes and used the restroom.
Jolly has also been charged as a habitual offender due to prior felony convictions. He appeared for his initial hearing on Monday, August 28, for Tippecanoe County .
What are the charges against Lafayette man Montrell Dionte Jolly?
Jolly, 33, is a second time felon, now facing multiple charges, including murder, neglect of a dependent resulting in catastrophic injury, aggravated battery and battery resulting in death to a person under 14 years old.
As per Journal & Courier, during his initial hearing, County Magistrate Sarah Wyatt at the courthouse outlined the charges against him and potential penalties.
If found guilty, Jolly faces from 45 to 65 years in prison. Additionally, there is the possibility of an extra eight to 20 years in prison if he is convicted as a habitual offender.
What happened to Ke’andre Shamar Jolly?
According to a GoFundMe page organized by Ke’andre's aunt, Kiyahn, the child died of traumatic brain injury.
On July 28, authorities responded to a 911 call about a child having a potential seizure. Paramedics arrived to find the unconscious child "soaking wet" on the floor.
Authorities said the house had a "smoky haze" and the "odor of marijuana."
Although there were no visible signs of injury on the child, he was unresponsive with "one pupil appeared constricted” while “one pupil appeared blown," indicative of a head injury.
Further investigation revealed blood on bathroom surfaces, damage to the bathroom door, and bloodstains in multiple bedrooms, raising alarm about the extent of the violence involved.
According to charging documents obtained by Law&Crime, Ke’andre was initially taken to St Elizabeth East Hospital and later transferred via helicopter to Riley Children’s Hospital in Indianapolis due to his injuries.
Medical personnel at the first hospital alerted the Lafayette Police Department, stating that the child had suffered injuries consistent with non-accidental trauma.
Despite their EMS personnel, Ke’andre remained unconscious and died on August 1 due to the severe blunt force injuries to his head.
In a police interview, Jolly admitted to "disciplining" the child as he made him engage in "wall sits" for having worn his shoes on the wrong feet, according to the affidavit.
"Montrell got upset again because Ke’andre was going to sit on the toilet to urinate instead of standing ’like a regular boy,’” the probable cause affidavit read.
The affidavit further stated, “Montrell made Ke’andre stand to use the restroom and then return to the wall to do wall sits."
"Montrell described Ke’andre as continuing to cry and yell that he would put his shoes on the right feet," the affidavit added.
