Shawna Hooey, a 33-year-old woman from Tomball, Texas, was sentenced to 50 years in prison for the 2019 killing of her boyfriend’s 4-year-old daughter, Jakyzia Alexander. Hooey was taking care of Alexander along with her own five children when she took her to a 24-hour emergency center where the child was pronounced dead. Alexander’s body was cold, and Hooey gave conflicting stories about what had happened to the child, who had visible injuries. The Harris County District Attorney’s Office commended the jurors for recognizing a pattern of abuse and sentencing Hooey to decades behind bars to protect vulnerable children.
Alexander had begun living with Hooey when her father, who had sole custody of her, entered a relationship with Hooey. The father lived with family members at a different location and rarely saw his daughter in the two months leading up to her death. On the day of her death, Hooey claimed Alexander was having trouble breathing and drove her around in a hot car to help her breathe normally. Hooey gave multiple accounts of what had happened to Alexander before her death, claiming the child ran into a doorknob or threw herself against a toilet paper holder.
Further examination revealed signs of repeated abuse on Alexander, including fresh, resolving, and healed injuries. Alexander’s autopsy showed she died from blunt force trauma to the head, which would have resulted in seizures, vomiting, and dazed reactions almost immediately. Witnesses testified that Alexander was acting normally the day before she died. The Harris County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case and charged Hooey with murder. After a nine-day trial, a jury convicted Hooey of murder and sentenced her to 50 years in prison.
Assistant District Attorney Gilbert Sawtelle, who prosecuted the case, emphasized the importance of recognizing and reporting child abuse. Abusers often hide signs of abuse by keeping children away from other adults or dressing them to cover injuries. Sawtelle urged the community to be vigilant and report suspected abuse to law enforcement and child protective services. He noted that had someone intervened and noticed Alexander’s injuries, she might still be alive today. Hooey must serve at least half of her 50-year prison sentence before being eligible for parole.
The case of Shawna Hooey serves as a tragic reminder of the importance of protecting vulnerable children from abuse. The jury’s decision to sentence Hooey to 50 years in prison reflects a recognition of the pattern of abuse that led to Alexander’s death. The prosecution highlighted the need for community members to call out and report child abuse, as abusers often go to great lengths to hide signs of abuse. By noticing and intervening in cases of suspected abuse, lives can be saved and perpetrators held accountable for their actions.
The tragic death of Jakyzia Alexander underscores the devastating consequences of child abuse and the critical importance of early intervention. It is a reminder that child abuse is a serious issue that requires the vigilance of the entire community to ensure the safety and well-being of children. The sentencing of Shawna Hooey to 50 years in prison sends a strong message that those who commit acts of abuse against children will be held accountable for their actions. By working together to recognize and report abuse, we can help prevent future tragedies and protect vulnerable children from harm.
