A 9-month-old girl’s death inside a Lexington home has led to a murder conviction after investigators said the child suffered fatal head trauma while her siblings watched. The case, centered on a July 2023 incident on Whitney Avenue, has moved toward sentencing following a guilty plea by the child’s father.
LEXINGTON, KY – Syied Malik-Kawon Epps, 31, has pleaded guilty to murder in connection with the death of his daughter, Sy’kia Epps, according to local reports and jail records reviewed by Law&Crime. Authorities have recommended a 25-year prison sentence, with sentencing scheduled for July 1.
Officers responded to a home on Whitney Avenue on July 26, 2023, after the infant was taken to a hospital with life-threatening brain trauma. Investigators said Epps initially told them the child had been with a babysitter when she was injured, but he could not provide identifying details.
“He couldn’t provide last name, phone number, anything other than a physical description,” Lexington Police Detective Paul Hogan testified, according to WKYT.
Children’s statements and video evidence
Investigators later determined Epps was at the home during the timeframe in question, citing security camera footage. Three children inside the residence told authorities they witnessed what happened.
“All three stated that Mr. Epps had dropped their sister on her head,” Hogan said. “One articulated … ‘Daddy smashed her on her head really hard and she was upside down.'”
The child died four days after the incident. Epps was initially arrested on July 27, 2023, and charged with assault before the charge was upgraded to murder following her death.
Alleged threats during argument
According to testimony, the incident unfolded while Epps was arguing with the children’s mother, who was at work at the time. During that exchange, investigators said he made threatening remarks about the children.
“He stated he needed to come get her ‘roaches,’ referring to the children, and that if she was home one minute late from work, they would be waiting out on the porch,” Hogan said.
The case now awaits final sentencing, with prosecutors recommending a 25-year term.
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