A tragic incident in Dungannon has led to the death of a toddler, Tavia da Costa, who succumbed to a brain injury caused by blunt force trauma. The court proceedings have revealed shocking details surrounding the circumstances of her death, with multiple individuals facing serious charges.
Key Takeaways
- Tavia da Costa, a toddler, died from blunt force trauma.
- Three individuals, including her mother and her mother's boyfriend, face serious charges.
- The court heard disturbing details about the child's injuries and the alleged cover-up.
Incident Overview
On October 13, police responded to a report of a sudden death at a residence in Windmill Court, Dungannon. Upon arrival, they discovered Tavia da Costa unresponsive, with a blanket covering her face. A post-mortem examination later revealed that the toddler had suffered a brain injury due to blunt force trauma, and her body was covered in bruises, including significant injuries to her head and face.
Charges Filed
The court has charged three individuals in connection with Tavia's death:
- Januaria Sarmento Ximenes (29) - Boyfriend of Tavia's mother, charged with murder and cruelty to children.
- Suzi Augusta Jacinta Da Costa (21) - Tavia's mother, charged with manslaughter and cruelty to a child under 16.
- Suzana Da Costa Ximenes (24) - Tavia's aunt, charged with causing or allowing the death of a child and cruelty to a child under 16.
Disturbing Details Uncovered
During the court proceedings, a Detective Sergeant testified that he believed he could connect all three accused to the charges. The prosecution presented evidence indicating that Tavia had been shaken, with grip marks found on her arm and a scald mark on her ear. The court also heard that the grandmother of the child reported finding Tavia dead and that a family member had initially contacted the police.
Allegations of Cover-Up
The prosecution claims that the accused attempted to cover up the circumstances surrounding Tavia's death. It was reported that when the grandmother arrived at the scene, the accused suggested resolving the matter as a family. This raised suspicions among the authorities, leading to further investigation.
Defense Claims
Januaria Ximenes has denied any wrongdoing, claiming that Tavia fell. His defense attorney argued that the only direct evidence against him comes from Suzi, who has a vested interest in blaming him. Meanwhile, Suzi's lawyer stated that she is a victim of domestic abuse and coercive control, expressing her heartbreak over the situation.
Court's Decision
The judge, acknowledging the gravity of the situation, denied bail for all three defendants, stating, "This is a very sad situation; a very young child lost their life, and we must be mindful and respectful of that when dealing with the case." The accused have been remanded in custody and are scheduled to appear again via video link on November 13.
This tragic case highlights the serious issues surrounding child safety and the responsibilities of caregivers. As the legal proceedings continue, the community mourns the loss of a young life cut short under such distressing circumstances.
