LARGO, MD – In a tragic incident, the Prince George’s County Police Homicide Unit has arrested 27-year-old Joseph Barrett of Takoma Park, charging him with the murder of his four-month-old daughter, Jaliyah Thompson. The charges come after a comprehensive investigation into the infant’s untimely death, which has been ruled a homicide resulting from a drug-related overdose.
The police were initially called to a motel on the 9400 block of Largo Drive West in the Largo area on January 6, responding to reports of an unresponsive infant. Despite prompt medical attention, Jaliyah was pronounced dead at a hospital shortly after. Further investigation by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, concluded on March 4, determined the cause of death as a homicide due to a drug-related overdose.
Investigative findings indicated that Barrett had sole custody of Jaliyah at the time of the incident. Barrett confessed to consuming “Molly” while he was supposed to be caring for and feeding his daughter. On March 6, Barrett was taken into custody, facing charges of second-degree murder, manslaughter, and child neglect.