NORCROSS, GA – A Gwinnett County mother has been sentenced to life in prison after pleading guilty to the murder of her 8-year-old daughter, bringing a tragic 2021 case to a close.
Prosecutors said Brittany Nicole Hall, 31, entered guilty pleas to felony murder, 11 counts of cruelty to children, concealing the death of another, and making false statements in connection with the death of her daughter, Amari Hall.
Hall and her girlfriend, Celeste Owens, initially reported Amari missing on Nov. 19, 2021, telling police the child had disappeared from the hotel where the couple lived with Amari and her two younger siblings. Investigators soon discovered inconsistencies in their account and uncovered evidence of abuse against all three children.
A search of Owens’ phone revealed disturbing internet searches on the day of the report, including phrases like “What to do when a child just doesn’t listen” and “Lakes near me.” Investigators also found nanny-cam footage showing repeated beatings of the children.
Surveillance video showed Owens renting a U-Haul, which was later traced to a wooded area in DeKalb County where Amari’s body was discovered.
Owens was convicted in December on charges including malice murder, felony murder, aggravated assault, aggravated battery, and child cruelty. She was sentenced to life plus 235 years.
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“This mother failed to protect her children and joined in the abuse,” Gwinnett County District Attorney Patsy Austin-Gatson said. “This ended tragically. We continue to pray that her siblings can heal from the abuse they endured and that this plea brings closure to them and their extended family.”
The case was prosecuted by Deputy Chief Assistant District Attorney Sabrina Nizam and Assistant District Attorney Aspen Talley with assistance from Gwinnett County Police.
Key Points
- Brittany Nicole Hall, 31, pled guilty in the 2021 murder of her daughter Amari Hall.
- She was sentenced to life in prison on charges including murder and child cruelty.
- Co-defendant Celeste Owens was previously sentenced to life plus 235 years.
A grim chapter of abuse and deception closed with a life sentence in Norcross.